In perhaps the most unexpected development in this year’s AFL trade period Chris Keane, Sydney’s list chief, dropped a bombshell. Promising small forward Jack Buller comes with plenty of appetite to add more Magpies pizazz. The club was unprepared as this was a completely surprising, last-minute ask. They had no signs leading up to it that the 24-year-old was planning on making such a move.
American Buller’s been an emphatic success this season, scoring 11 goals in nine appearances. He has the potential to be a massive coup for the Pies. His possible arrival would be perfect timing for Collingwood. They will need him, having lost another key player in Brody Mihocek to Melbourne.
Chris Keane shared his surprise during an interview with Trade Radio, stating, “Jack caught us off guard a bit. We had no indication he was looking at a move.” He acknowledged Buller’s intention to join Collingwood, saying, “We understand his intention is to get to Collingwood. We will see how that one goes throughout this period.”
As Sydney explores options to potentially accommodate Buller’s request, they are simultaneously pursuing Carlton’s dual Brownlow medallist, Charlie Curnow. Keane suggested several routes for Sydney to land Curnow, including the chance to pull off a complex multi-team trade.
One plan of action is to find one player who’s willing to go the other way to meet Carlton’s needs. Malcolm Rosas Jr is set to further his career and make the move from Gold Coast to Sydney. This move has the potential to shake up the stalemate negotiations. Keane emphasized, “We will try and remain pragmatic in terms of what might get a deal done.”
In combination with all of this news, speculation abounds about a possible trade. Sam Flanders is doing a potential trade from Gold Coast to St Kilda. According to reports, St Kilda is prepared to swap its seventh pick with Gold Coast. This action is simply another step in their long-standing pact.
Almost time for the AFL trade period to fire up! Clubs such as Sydney and Collingwood are playing deep into the draft, taking aggressive steps to supercharge their lists. As negotiations continue, all of us will be watching how these rumored trades progress and what this means for next season.
