The AFL home-and-away season is over and the trade news and rumours are ramping up ahead of the 2024 player movement period.
With several players approaching free agency and the trade period coming, speculation is starting to grow.
The Sporting News tracks all the latest trade and free agency saga.
JUMP TO NEWS: Jack Lukosius | Isaac Cumming | Tom Barrass | Christian Petracca | Daniel Rioli | John Noble | Tom Lynch | Jack Martin | Dan Houston | Shai Bolton | Alex Neal-Bullen | Clayton Oliver | Dylan Shiel | Bailey Smith | Josh Battle | Harry Perryman | Luke Davies-Uniacke | Harley Reid | Chad Warner | Rory Lobb
MORE: AFL Free Agents 2024: Every player off-contract at the end of the season
Jack Darling trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: North Melbourne
Eagles forward requests trade to Kangaroos
September 18, 2024
The West Coast Eagles have confirmed premiership-winning player Jack Darling has requested a move to North Melbourne.
The forward sits in second place on the club's all-time appearances list (298) and second on the club's goalkicking chart (532) after a storied career in the West.
However, despite having one year still remaining on his deal, the Eagles have noted that they will be willing to negotiate with the Kangaroos during the trade period for the wantaway veteran.
Christian Petracca trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Carlton, Collingwood
Melbourne star Petracca commits future to Demons
August 31, 2024
Melbourne star Christian Petracca has finally put weeks of speculation about his future at the club to bed.
The Norm Smith medallist was edging towards a shock exit with the relationship between the club and his teammates reportedly reaching breaking point.
However, after being linked to a bombshell move to Carlton, Petracca has now released a statement on his long-term plans.
"Over the last few weeks, there’s been a lot of speculation regarding my role at Melbourne," Petracca said.
"This has occurred as part of the end-of-year review process, in which I voiced my concerns as a leader, wanting better for our club, playing group, and fans.
"I make no apologies for wanting to better our club and contribute to our success both on and off the field.
"I love my footy - it remains my number one priority and always has been. As for my future at the Melbourne Football Club, I remain committed to playing for the red and the blue."
Petracca's contract with the Demons expires at the end of the 2029 season.
Jack Lukosius trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Adelaide, Port Adelaide
Gun Sun eyeing move back to South Australia
August 28, 2024
Gold Coast has told Jack Lukosius that he can explore a trade away from the club if he wishes.
The swingman has long been rumoured to be seeking a move back to South Australia after failing to excel at the Suns.
Adelaide and Port Adelaide are both interested in Lukosius services, per Tom Morris,
Gold Coast has also told the player he is welcome to stay.
Isaac Cumming trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Adelaide, Port Adelaide
Cumming wanted by Port Adelaide, Adelaide
August 28, 2024
GWS flanker Isaac Cumming is being hunted by both Adelaide and Port Adelaide.
The 26-year-old, who is an unrestricted free agent, could be looking for a fresh start after only managing 79 games at the Giants because of injury.
According to Sam Edmund, Adelaide are in the box seat to pick up Cumming, but the Power could make a significant play if they lose Dan Houston.
Tom Barrass trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Hawthorn
Eagles confirm Barrass' request for Hawthorn trade
August 27, 2024
Tom Barrass may have played his last game for West Coast after the club confirmed the star defender had made a trade request.
"Barrass submitted his request during today’s exit meeting and nominated Hawthorn as his preferred destination," the club noted in a press release.
The 28-year-old missed the final three games of the season after battling hamstring and concussion issues.
"While the club respects Tom’s request, he is contracted for another three seasons and our vice-captain," the Eagles added.
"We will endeavour to meet Tom’s request while protecting the best interests of the West Coast Eagles."
Daniel Rioli trade news, rumours
Interested: Gold Coast
Rioli pushing for Suns move
August 27, 2024
Richmond gun Daniel Rioli has reportedly reaffirmed his desire to join the Suns and link up with former coach Damien Hardwick.
According to AFL.com.au, the 27-year-old, who is contracted through to the end of 2027, informed the Tigers of his wish following their season's completion.
It's reported Gold Coast's pick 6 in the draft could be used as part of a package to lure Rioli north.
Rioli 'will not be traded' - Wilson
July 2, 2024
Richmond will not trade Daniel Rioli, according to senior journalist Caroline Wilson.
Speaking on Footy Classified, Wilson said a source had told her there was no chance of Rioli leaving Punt Rd for the Gold Coast Suns.
“The Gold Coast Suns know Daniel Rioli will not be traded (under any circumstances). That’s what I’m told,” she said.
Suns could part with first-round picks for Rioli
June 27, 2024
Gold Coast are considering offering two first-round picks for Richmond half-back Daniel Rioli.
According to the Herald Sun, the Suns could send one of their high first-round picks (currently no.7 or 8) and their end of first round compensation pick secured from North Melbourne to the Tigers for Rioli.
Rioli won three premierships at Richmond under current Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick.
John Noble trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Gold Coast
Noble requests trade away from Collingwood
August 27. 2024
Collingwood defender John Noble has asked for a trade to a non-Victorian club with Gold Coast the reported desired destination.
The Magpies confirmed the request despite the 27-year-old being contracted until the end of 2026.
According to The Age, Noble wants a move to the Gold Coast, where he has been offered a four-year contract.
“John today informed us he would like to explore a trade ahead of next season to be closer to family,” Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch said in a club statement.
“Whilst John is contracted, we understand the importance of family and will take this into consideration as we work through the trade period.”
Tom Lynch trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Collingwood, Melbourne
Lynch wanted by Magpies, Demons
August 27, 2024
Richmond premiership star Tom Lynch could be set for a third AFL club with Collingwood and Melbourne circling.
Both the Magpies and Demons are in desperate need of a key forward and are interested in Lynch despite the 31-year-old's struggling fitness over the past few seasons.
Lynch, who has only played eight games in the last two seasons, is contracted until the end of 2025 and could be secured with little draft capital by a club willing to take on his $1.5 million salary, reports Damien Barrett.
Jack Martin trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Fremantle
Dockers among several keen on Jack Martin
August 23, 2024
Off-contract Blue Jack Martin could find himself at a third club this off-season, with reports several teams are interested in the 29-year-old.
Martin has played 151 AFL games, 97 with the Suns and 54 at Carlton since his 2014 debut.
Seven's Ryan Daniels reports Fremantle are among the clubs interested in Martin, who is not a free agent.
The @freodockers are among a number of clubs interested in signing Jack Martin for 2025.
— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) August 22, 2024
The 29-year-old Martin has played 151 games for @CarltonFC and @GoldCoastSUNS, and is out of contract. @7AFL
Dan Houston trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Carlton, Melbourne, Geelong, Hawthorn, St Kilda
New Victorian club emerges as Houston suitor
August 20, 2024
Carlton are set to become an option for wantaway Port Adelaide star Dan Houston.
The All Australian flanker was initially linked with a trade to Melbourne but has since cooled with the Demons going through a difficult period.
According to AFL.com.au, Blues boss Michael Voss, who coached Houston as an assistant at the Power, has reached out the the player about a move to IKON Park.
Carlton may face challenges to secure a trade for Houston, with their first round pick likely needed for draft points to select father-son twins Ben and Lucas Camporeale.
Dan Houston cooling on Demons trade
August 17, 2024
Port Adelaide star Dan Houston is believed to be reconsidering a trade to Melbourne for the 2025 season.
With the Demons in turmoil after reported discontent from star Christian Petracca, Houston is believed to be considering his other options.
Geelong and Hawthorn are likely to bid for the All Australian gun's services, which St Kilda has plenty of salary cap room.
Houston will cost plenty of capital to a club seeking his services with a minimum of a first-round pick the expected cost.
Shai Bolton trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Fremantle, West Coast
Bolton wants to move home but not asking for trade
August 20, 2024
Richmond gun Shai Bolton wants to move home to Western Australia but will only leave if the Tigers can be satisfied in a deal.
While both parties have stressed the star isn't demanding a trade, Bolton will return to WA if Fremantle or West Coast can stump up the capital for a trade.
It's likely that Richmond would ask for two first-round picks for Bolton, with Fremantle the most likely suitor as they currently hold three.
Bolton, who has four years remaining on his contract at Punt Rd, is seeking a move home for family reasons after having a second child.
Alex Neal-Bullen trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Port Adelaide, Adelaide
August 14, 2024
Melbourne have confirmed Alex Neal-Bullen has informed the club of his wish to return to his home state of South Australia.
After 10 seasons, 174 games and a premiership, the 28-year-old has made the call to return home to be nearer family.
"The decision became clear that I need to put my family first, and move our family back to South Australia," Neal-Bullen said.
"For the club to allow me to do the best thing for my family, I can’t thank them enough."
It's now up to the Demons to work out a deal with one of Port Adelaide or Adelaide.
Reports had earlier linked Dan Houston with a move from Port to the Demons, which will no doubt gain more momentum following Neal-Bullen's request.
Clayton Oliver trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Adelaide, St Kilda, Collingwood
Adelaide favourite if Oliver leaves Melbourne
July 23, 2024
Tension is building between Melbourne and Clayton Oliver with a move to Adelaide possible, according to a prominent journalist.
Oliver was talked about as a possible trade at the end of last season but no move ended up eventuating.
However, Sam McClure reports Oliver could be available in the upcoming trade period and Adelaide are in the box seat if he departs the Demons.
“I think he’s clearly up for grabs. If he’s going to leave Melbourne, which is an if at this stage, it will be to the Adelaide Crows,” McClure said on Nine.
“This is a complicated one. Adelaide have made it very clear to the rest of the competition that their first pick is up for grabs - that’s not saying it’ll absolutely be for Clayton Oliver.
“As we sit here tonight, I don’t Melbourne are over the hump with saying they absolutely want to let go of Clayton Oliver.
“There’s frustration and tension building between the two parties, Clayton Oliver is frustrated about lately starting on the bench, this new role that he’s been given, he doesn’t think he’s being utilised the best way he can be. He’s on six years at more than $1.1 million (a season)."
Oliver 'gettable' for AFL clubs
July 16, 2024
Melbourne star Clayton Oliver could be on the move for 2025 after speculation of a Demons departure last season.
Despite the Demons denying wanting to trade Oliver, who is contracted for six more years, speculation is growing that the midfield gun is available.
Footy Classified's Tom Morris revealed that AFL clubs were telling him that Oliver could be traded by Melbourne for the right deal.
"There has been a lot of chat between other clubs and among other clubs that I've spoken to over the past few days around Clayton Oliver. They believe that he is gettable," Morris said.
"I've spoken to the Demons today, they fiercely deny this. They say that Clayton Oliver is going nowhere, he's got six years remaining on a lucrative deal and they like the way he's playing.
"His seven-year deal, which he is almost one year through, is worth about $10 million including the TPP (total player payments) uplift. It's a lucrative deal.
"If he did leave Melbourne at the end of the year, or in future years, he would probably be the highest paid player at the club he goes to.
"I can't see how a deal gets done with another club, but other clubs are telling me it's absolutely on."
Adelaide and St Kilda were two clubs interested in Oliver last season, while Collingwood could use another gun midfielder alongside Nick Daicos.
Dylan Shiel trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: St Kilda
Saints renew interest in Shiel
July 18, 2024
St Kilda is understood to be considering making another play for veteran Bomber midfielder Dylan Shiel.
The Saints entertained an offer for Shiel during the 2023 trade period but withdrew their interest after the 31-year-old hurt his knee in pre-season.
After a struggling 2024 campaign, St Kilda will look to add a big-bodied midfielder with Shiel an option, reports Mitch Cleary.
Shiel has battled with injuries for most of 2024 but has played the last two games for Essendon, gathering 26 and 28 possessions.
Bailey Smith trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Geelong, Hawthorn, Collingwood
Geelong 'heavy' favourite to snare Bulldog star Smith
July 16, 2024
Geelong has moved into pole position to snare Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith.
With the 23-year-old almost certainly on the move, The Age's Sam McClure announced the Cats were in the box seat.
"Geelong, heavy, heavy favourites," McClure said on Footy Classified.
While on the same program Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd said: "You can tell that they're (Geelong) in it up to their eyeballs. It's just a matter if there's another club in it
"He (Mackie) didn't want to say anything."
Lloyd was referring to comments made on Smith by Geelong list boss Andrew Mackie, who played down the rumours around the Bulldog.
"Nah (we haven't offered Smith a contract). Like I said, we don't go into any details around opposition players," Mackie told 3AW Radio.
"We understand interest, Bailey is out of contract.
"There's no real rules. The window is obviously post season, October, where you get to move players in and out of your list.
"You're naïve to think that you get to a point at the start of October and it's like, 'we've got to push the button on a few things'."
Josh Battle trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Hawthorn
Battle future on a knife-edge with Hawthorn circling
July 16, 2024
St Kilda free agent Josh Battle is undecided on his future with Hawthorn believed to be offering a mega deal.
The Hawks contract to the 25-year-old swingman is in the vicinity of $900,000 over six years, with the Saints likely to get band one compensation if Battle accepts this deal.
This would mean St Kilda get another first round pick alongside the one they receive for ladder position, which would be pick no.4 and no.5 based on current standings.
The Saints are understood to want to keep Battle, who has put off contract talks until the end of the season.
Harry Perryman trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Hawthorn, Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Essendon
Hawks vie with Adelaide clubs for Perryman
July 2, 2024
Hawthorn has joined the race for GWS utility Harry Perryman with a huge five-year deal on the table.
The South Australian has been heavily pursued by both Adelaide and Port Adelaide, while Essendon also have an interest.
According to Caroline Wilson, the Hawks sent coach Sam Mitchell, vice captain Dylan Moore and talent manager Jarryd Roughead to meet with Perryman in Sydney last week.
Hawthorn is believed to be offering around $4 million over five years for Perryman.
Luke Davies-Uniacke trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: St Kilda
Davies-Uniacke pledges future to North Melbourne
July 2, 2024
North Melbourne star Luke Davies-Uniacke had said he wants to remain at the club despite interest from around the AFL.
It's been reported that St Kilda has offered up to $1.5 million a season for the 25-year-old, who has finally spoken about his future.
Davies-Uniacke all-but committed to North Melbourne in recent quotes to 7News.
“I think, going forward, where I see myself is playing for North Melbourne, that’s for sure,” Davies-Unaicke said.
“When I think about North it’s always been a family club and the culture of the club’s awesome, they’ve shown the faith in picking me up in the draft, I’d love to repay that favour and no doubt the club and my manager can get something done by next year that’s for sure.”
Harley Reid trade news, rumours
Interested: Victorian clubs
Mammoth offers coming for Harley Reid
June 27, 2024
West Coast wonderkid Harley Reid is set to be offered the biggest contracts in AFL history from Victorian clubs.
Reports suggest the 19-year-old could be offered up to $18 million over 10 years to return to Victoria.
Journalist Tom Morris believes Essendon, where Reid played VFL in 2023, could be leading the charge.
Reid is contracted at the Eagles until the end of 2026 under his mandatory three-year deal when drafted.
Chad Warner trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Fremantle, West Coast
Fremantle likely to make play for Chad Warner
June 21, 2024
Fremantle are likely preparing to make a play for Sydney gun Chad Warner in 2025.
The West Australian-born star is out of contract at the end of next season with most clubs likely to enquire about the 23-year-old's availability.
While there is no suggestion Warner is a chance to leave the Swans at this stage, Fremantle could start to get the draft picks and salary space ready this season to make a move for the superstar.
The Dockers have three first-round picks in 2024 but could shuffle some of them back to create capital for a possible Warner trade in 2025.
West Coast would likely join the race for Warner if it became clear he was a chance to return to home to Western Australia.
Rory Lobb trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Melbourne, North Melbourne, St Kilda, Collingwood
Rory Lobb to request trade away from Western Bulldogs
May 27, 2024
Forward-ruckman Rory Lobb is set to request a trade away from the Western Bulldogs and play for a fourth AFL club.
According to journalist Tom Morris, the 31-year-old wants to leave Whitten Oval for regular senior football at a Victorian club.
The list of Victorian clubs that could use a forward-ruckman includes Melbourne, North Melbourne, St Kilda and Collingwood.
Lobb has two years left on his Bulldogs deal, meaning a club will have to trade for the former GWS and Fremantle player.
