The player movement activity is already gaining speed and the upcoming trade period is set to once again raise the benchmark. These five players will be right in the thick of trade talk.
For many of the clubs, this year’s sign and trade period is set to push boundaries.
While the start of the free agency period is a month away, several stars have already begun requesting trades. Most recently, Port Adelaide’s Karl Amon has declared Hawthorn as his preferred destination in 2023. And there’s a number of players on the hunt for an opportunity that can help cement a starting 22 spot.
Other big names that have been thrown in the mix for potential trades include Cam Zurhaar, Dyson Heppell, Jason Johannisen and Magpie brothers Callum and Tyler Brown.
But here are the names set to generate the most intrigue, when ‘silly season’ commences. Take note of the free agency period starting September 30, before the nine-day trade period runs from October 3rd through to 7:30pm on the 12th.
Tim Taranto
With 114 games under his belt, the 24-year-old is likely to see a move elsewhere in season 2023. With the Giants looking to rebuild under new head coach Adam Kingsley, Taranto is one of the names tipped to be given a new home.
The out of contract midfielder had been linked to a move back to his home state of Victoria, with Collingwood and Richmond interested. However, it’s looking likely that Taranto could be in black and yellow. Collingwood has reportedly turned their attention to the pursuit of another Giant, Bobby Hill.
Josh Dunkley
Two years on from requesting a trade to Essendon, the 2016 premiership player remains a curious case leading up to September. The 115-game Bulldog is off contract, with many speculating that his time at Whitten Oval may finally be up.
He reignited trade whispers back in May, saying there was ‘no real rush’ to re-sign. The Bulldogs will be hoping to keep Dunkley post-finals, but multiple clubs are reportedly interested in the 25-year-old. Port Adelaide are being discussed as a good fit for the in-form midfielder.
Izak Rankine
The 22-year-old’s recent trade request to Adelaide has delivered mixed reaction; it’s set to be a big storyline in the next two months. Rankine’s had a breakout season this year with the Gold Coast Suns, having played 48 AFL games since being drafted third overall in 2018.
He is set to sign a lucrative five year deal with the Crows, with various reports suggesting potentially more than $700,000 per season. Rainkine could become the highest paid Crows player next season should the trade go through. However, the trade negotiations are set to be drawn out on this one.
Brodie Grundy
Many believe that Brodie Grundy has already played his final game for the Pies, with the injured ruckman’s future at the club looking uncertain. It’s been reported that the Magpies will once again be a club heavily involved during trade period, looking to offload more salary. The 28-year-old takes up a large portion of Collingwood’s salary cap, after famously signing a seven-year $7 million dollar deal ahead of season 2020.
It’s unlikely Grundy moves interstate, with Geelong now joining the Demons in the race for his signature. The Cats are after both Grundy and GWS’ Jacob Hopper in what looms as a trade heist for the premiership contenders.
Luke Jackson
The 20-year-old will almost certainly be key figure in this year’s trade period. After putting contract talks on hold until the end of the season, a move home to the west is on the cards for the Melbourne tall, with Fremantle appearing to be the frontrunner. The Dockers are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit for the premiership player, with other part of their list under threat. Forward Rory Lobb looks set to head to the Western Bulldogs after requesting to go home to Victoria, Blake Acres could also leave the dock, while there are a number of others yet to resign with the club. However, West Coast have recently made clear their intention to pursue the star Demon.
Jackson’s departure could see room for Melbourne to aggressively court Grundy. So is a major domino in September’s looming trade period.
