Bombers centre stage as trade shuffle begins
ALL eyes will be on Essendon with the Bombers entering the AFL trade period as one of its prime movers and shakers.
With Joe Daniher officially requesting a trade to Sydney, and Orazio Fantasia tipped to seek a move to Port Adelaide, the Bombers look set to be one of the most influential players on Monday.
It now lies with Sydney to orchestrate a deal that satisfies the Bombers, who have made it clear they want to keep Daniher as he is contracted until the end of 2020.
Securing the required draft picks could involve parting with talented small forward Tom Papley, who is eyeing a move to Victoria — specifically Carlton.
Also, Zak Jones (St Kilda) and ruckman Darcy Cameron (Collingwood) are both poised to depart.
The Blues are keen on Papley, wantaway Gold Coast Sun Jack Martin and premiership Tiger Dan Butler.
Eddie Betts could also land at Carlton for a late draft pick.
Fremantle is holding out hope of joining the race for Geelong’s Tim Kelly if West Coast can’t satisfy the Cats.
Fremantle could secure St Kilda’s pick 6 in a deal for departing wingman Brad Hill, while Ed Langdon is all but certain to end up at Melbourne. The Demons are also set to land GWS’ Adam Tomlinson as a free agent.
The Saints will have to manoeuvre through the trade period as they look to land Hill, Zak Jones and Paddy Ryder. The Bulldogs are keen on securing forward Josh Bruce which could open the door for St Kilda to complete their other deals, including Jack Steven’s likely move to Geelong.
Adelaide are preparing for a busy trade period, with Sam Jacobs expected to land at GWS, Alex Keath requesting a trade to the Western Bulldogs, Hugh Greenwood seeking a move to Gold Coast and Josh Jenkins requesting a trade.
Crows best-and-fairest winner Brad Crouch’s future remains up in the air, with the midfielder linked to the Suns despite being contracted for 2020.
The Crows could snare Port Adelaide ruck/forward Billy Frampton, who has requested a trade. The Power look set to lose Sam Gray while Sam Powell-Pepper could potentially be on the move.
At Collingwood, free agent Jamie Elliott has a choice to make with Melbourne and Brisbane both interested in the small forward.
The Lions are set to snare Callum Ah Chee from Gold Coast, having already landed Adelaide’s Cam Ellis-Yolmen. The Suns have already signed Brandon Ellis as a free agent.
Hawthorn are poised to secure Jonathon Patton from GWS while the Hawks could also land Melbourne defender Sam Frost.