The Big Trades: A Closer Look at the 10 Key Deals in the 2023 AFL Trade Period.

The 10 Biggest Deals to Watch in the 2023 AFL Trade Period

By | October 10, 2023

The 2023 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period is about to kick off, and excitement is building as clubs look to make key moves to strengthen their lists for the upcoming season. While there have already been some dramatic developments, with star player Clayton Oliver announcing his decision to remain at Melbourne, there are still plenty of big deals to keep an eye on. Here are the top 10 deals to watch in this year’s trade period.

Taylor Adams

Sydney’s interest in Collingwood veteran Taylor Adams became public last Friday, and Adams officially requested a trade to the Swans on Sunday. Despite missing the Magpies’ Grand Final win due to injury, Adams’ experience and leadership make him an attractive prospect for Sydney. The Swans currently have several picks, including picks 11, 23, 31, 44, and 52, which they can use to secure Adams.

Top-Five Draft Picks

One of the biggest talking points in this year’s trade period revolves around the top-five draft picks. The Gold Coast Suns, who currently hold pick 4, are expected to trade it as they aim to bring in a trio of talented Academy players. The Western Bulldogs are among the leading contenders to strike a deal with the Suns for pick 4, while other clubs have also expressed interest. On the other hand, the West Coast Eagles, who hold pick 1, have indicated that it would take a special offer for them to part with their top selection. Hawthorn and North Melbourne are considered potential suitors for pick 1.

Xavier Duursma

Port Adelaide midfielder Xavier Duursma has attracted interest from several Victorian clubs, with Essendon being a possible destination. Duursma, a former first-round pick, played 16 games for the Power this year and has a contract for next year. Any club interested in acquiring him would need to strike a trade with Port Adelaide.

Brodie Grundy

After a frustrating year at Melbourne, ruckman Brodie Grundy is set to move to his third club, with Sydney being the likely destination. Port Adelaide has also been linked to Grundy. The 29-year-old played 17 games this season but was overlooked for Melbourne’s recent finals. Sydney’s collection of picks, including picks 11, 23, 31, 44, and 52, could facilitate a deal for Grundy.

Esava Ratugolea

Geelong tall Esava Ratugolea has chosen Port Adelaide as his preferred destination, after meeting with both Port Adelaide and Hawthorn. Port Adelaide is expected to be active in the trade period, with Essendon’s Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Western Bulldogs ruck Jordon Sweet also requesting moves to Port. With multiple picks, including picks 38, 46, and 73, the Power have the resources to make a deal for Ratugolea.

Zac Fisher

Carlton defender Zac Fisher officially requested a trade to North Melbourne last week. Fisher fell out of favor with the Blues in 2023 but showcased his talent when given the opportunity later in the season. North Melbourne, armed with multiple picks including picks 2, 14, 19, 42, 54, and 62, could strike a deal for Fisher.

Jack Billings

St Kilda player Jack Billings is open to a move to a rival club, according to his manager. Billings has struggled with injuries and limited game time in recent seasons, and a change of scenery could provide a fresh start for the 28-year-old. However, the Saints will need to agree on a trade if Billings is to depart Moorabbin.

Paddy Dow

Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow has confirmed his desire to join St Kilda, seeking more opportunities after playing just 14 games in the past two seasons under coach Michael Voss. Dow’s decision to request a trade was preceded by rumors earlier this year. St Kilda, with multiple picks and the potential departure of Jade Gresham and Nick Coffield, has the flexibility to strike a deal for Dow.

Liam Henry

Fremantle midfielder Liam Henry has expressed his desire to move to St Kilda, following interest from both St Kilda and Hawthorn. The Dockers, disappointed by Henry’s decision, are expected to negotiate a trade with St Kilda. As mentioned earlier, St Kilda has the draft picks and resources to make this deal happen.

Dylan Stephens

Sydney midfielder Dylan Stephens has requested a trade to North Melbourne and has already met with coach Alastair Clarkson. The 22-year-old is out of contract, and trade discussions between Sydney and North Melbourne are reportedly amicable. Stephens, with 43 AFL games under his belt, could be one of the early deals to be completed in this year’s trade period.

Analysis and Editorial

The AFL Trade Period is always an exciting time for fans and clubs alike, as it provides an opportunity for teams to reshape their rosters and address needs for the upcoming season. This year’s trade period promises to be particularly intriguing, with several big-name players expressing their desire to move clubs.

One of the key storylines to watch will be the fate of the top-five draft picks. The Gold Coast Suns, in particular, are poised to make a big move by trading their pick 4 in order to secure multiple talented Academy players. The Western Bulldogs seem to be the frontrunners to strike a deal, but competition from other clubs could complicate matters. On the other hand, the West Coast Eagles hold pick 1 and have signaled their reluctance to part with it. This sets the stage for potentially intense negotiations with clubs like Hawthorn and North Melbourne.

Another player to keep an eye on is Taylor Adams, who has requested a trade to Sydney. Adams’ experience and leadership could be invaluable to the Swans as they continue to build a competitive roster. Sydney’s collection of picks provides them with flexibility in negotiations and makes them a formidable player in this year’s trade period.

Brodie Grundy, a two-time All-Australian ruckman, is set to move to his third club after a frustrating year at Melbourne. Sydney is believed to be the front-runner to secure Grundy, who would add a significant presence to their midfield. The Swans’ draft picks and potential departures of other players could pave the way for a deal to be struck.

Overall, this year’s AFL Trade Period offers plenty of excitement and opportunity for clubs to improve their lists. Whether it’s securing top draft picks, acquiring experienced veterans, or making strategic trades, the decisions made during this trade period could have a significant impact on the success of teams in the upcoming season.

Advice for Clubs and Players

For clubs, it’s important to carefully assess their needs and plan their trades accordingly. Prioritize areas that require improvement and target players who can address those needs effectively. Consider the balance of the team and the overall chemistry to ensure that any new additions fit well within the existing roster.

Players looking to change clubs should consider factors such as playing time, opportunities for development, and the strength of the team they are joining. It’s crucial to have open and honest conversations with clubs to understand their plans and expectations. Additionally, players should be aware of the trade assets that their current club possesses, as this can impact negotiations and the likelihood of a successful trade.

Overall, the AFL trade period provides an opportunity for clubs and players to make significant moves that can shape their futures. It’s an exciting time for the sport and fans eagerly await the outcomes of these negotiations.