Six big moves to keep an eye on during the 2024 AFL trade period:
* BAILEY SMITH
Current club: Western Bulldogs
Preferred destination: Geelong
The star midfielder confirmed what the entire AFL world suspected when he officially nominated Geelong as his preferred club days after the grand final. Hawthorn and Collingwood had also been linked to the Western Bulldogs ball-winner, who sat out the entire 2024 season after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament at training last December. The Cats have a history of nailing big-name targets - Jeremy Cameron and Patrick Dangerfield stand out - but have work to do to satisfy the Bulldogs here. One first-round pick in exchange for the high-profile Smith won't be enough.
* DAN HOUSTON
Current club: Port Adelaide
Possible destination: Carlton, Collingwood, North Melbourne and Melbourne have all been linked
Port Adelaide have indicated they are open to a deal that would send Houston back to Victoria - but, as always, there are conditions. A Melbourne-based club would have to cough up a hefty price for the dual All-Australian, who is contracted for one more season. The Power would prefer Houston to stay and are adamant they will keep him if a suitable price is not offered. They are also intent on securing a replacement before letting their man go.
* SHAI BOLTON
Current club: Richmond
Possible destination: Fremantle
Bolton is eager to move to Western Australia for family reasons and Fremantle are the front-runners. The Dockers have three first-round draft picks to play with as the clubs haggle over a price for the 25-year-old two-time premiership Tiger. Complicating matters is the fact Bolton still has four years left to run on his lucrative contract.
* JACK LUKOSIUS
Current club: Gold Coast
Preferred destination: Port Adelaide
The Suns have indicated they are happy for Lukosius to explore his options despite the former No.2 draft pick being contracted for another two seasons. Originally from South Australia, Lukosius is keen to join Port Adelaide, who are looking for more firepower in attack. But the Power would need special discretion from the AFL to use a first-round draft pick in negotiations after trading away their 2022 and 2023 first-round picks as part of the four-club deal that landed Jason Horne-Francis two years ago.
* LUKE PARKER
Current club: Sydney
Preferred destination: North Melbourne
Soon-to-be 32-year-old Parker wants to take up a three-year contract offer from North Melbourne, who are keen to add leadership and experience to their developing list. The 293-game former Swans co-captain and 2012 premiership player would certainly provide that. There shouldn't be many complications in reaching an agreement. The same goes for West Coast's Jack Darling, who will join the Kangaroos on a two-year deal.
* DANIEL RIOLI
Current club: Richmond
Preferred destination: Gold Coast
Rioli is eager to reunite with former Richmond coach and mentor Damien Hardwick, with the Suns' top pick (No.6 overall) central to negotiations. But Gold Coast also need to ensure they have enough points available to match bids for academy prospect Leo Lombard. Rioli could form an exciting new half-back line for the Suns, with Collingwood's John Noble also requesting a move north.
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* CLAYTON OLIVER
Current club: Melbourne
Melbourne president Brad Green attempted to shut down trade talk around Oliver at the club's best-and-fairest last Friday night. The Demons reportedly shopped around Oliver this month, for the second straight year, which left the star midfielder feeling unloved. He met with Geelong representatives before Green tried to pour cold water on a move. Oliver's seven-figure wage makes matters even more complicated, with six years left to run on his massive contract.
* JAKE STRINGER
Current club: Essendon
Possible destination: unknown
Collingwood and Sydney have ruled out moves for Essendon's enigmatic forward, who kicked 42 goals in 2024 but has only been offered a one-year contract extension by the Bombers. GWS have also been linked to the 2016 Western Bulldogs premiership star. Stringer appears likely to be on his way to a third AFL club if he can attract greater contract security, but the identity of that club remains to be seen.
