The Australian Football League (AFL) trade period recently unleashed a tidal wave of movement and machinations between clubs. Players are eager to find new homes and franchises are excited to add to their rosters. Against this backdrop, some major breakthroughs have taken place, especially with respect to the Sydney Swans, Gold Coast Suns and Essendon Football Club.
Zach Merrett, an influential player for Essendon, is expected to remain with the club despite speculation regarding a potential trade request. Matt Rosa, Essendon’s list boss, has addressed the rumors, emphasizing that Merrett has expressed confidence in the club’s direction.
Will Hayward is one of the most prominent ambassadors for his club, the Sydney Swans. He is still under contract for four years and intends to fulfill that commitment. Chris Keane — the Swans’ hard-nosed list chief — rubbished trade speculation about Hayward, insisting there is “not a lot to those rumors.”
Queensland’s Malcolm Rosas Jr. en route to Sydney from the Gold Coast. Meanwhile, Flanders is expected to join St Kilda – making the switch from Gold Coast. The Swans have been fending off trade speculations about James Rowbottom, of whom Keane is determinedly not letting go.
“We have had no indication about James Rowbottom wanting to leave. Contracted for three more years, we expect him to be here for that period.” – Chris Keane
As the trade period rolls on, one name that the Pies should work to get is Jack Buller from the Swans. According to Keane, this new love affair caught the Swans completely off guard. He said that Buller’s request was surprising, suggesting that conversation should be had.
Key forward Charlie Curnow of Carlton has long been on Sydney’s radar, but the club is eyeing several avenues to snag the powerful forward. If negotiations happen, Keane said there must be a win-win agreement.
“At the end of the day it’s up to Carlton to determine if it’s good enough.” – Chris Keane
The Swans have gained plenty of footing. Keane is very bullish about a large number of players being under contract and content to stay put.
“A lot of our players are contracted and happy in Sydney.” – Chris Keane
Ben Ainsworth of Gold Coast is really going about it the right way. Even with three years left on his contract, he’s looking for a way out. At the same time, Connor Budarick has expressed interest of a trade to the Western Bulldogs.
Brayden Fiorini is set to cross to Essendon, deepening the club’s desire to plan strategically. Bailey Humphrey has discussed moving to Victorian clubs. Gold Coast is proving dogged and won’t sell him.
Jake Rogers has quickly become one of the players to watch this upcoming trade period. Gold Coast in particular are reportedly very keen on him as a mid-forward.
The field is still very much in flux as clubs evaluate their current rosters and plan for upcoming seasons. That’s why Christian Petracca should leave Melbourne for Sydney. Should that come to fruition, the addition would significantly boost the Swans’ firepower.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is the second player under consideration for a possible switch from the Bulldogs to Sydney. For now, the Swans’ management are still weighing up multiple scenarios all while keeping eyes on the future with their core group.
“We understand we’ve got to come to the party but we also need it to be mutually beneficial for both parties for it to go through.” – Chris Keane
As this trade period continues, clubs will be trying to work around their options through the murky waters of player contracts and aspirations. The next few weeks will be crucial as teams sort out their rosters before the start of this new season.
