SEN Chief reporter Sam Edmund has the latest on a number of players linked with a move during the 2022 trade period.
This year’s exchange window begins in early October, meaning there are less than two months until clubs are able to wheel and deal.
Edmund predicts a much more exciting affair than last year’s snooze fest.
“There’s so much intertwining when it comes to these things too. If Luke Jackson goes to Fremantle it affects Rory Lobb too, Bobby Hill is going to leave GWS, Karl Amon is going to leave Port Adelaide, Dan McStay is going to leave Brisbane… Geelong sniffing around the edges,” he said on SEN’s Crunch Time.
“So many of them are going to be related this year, I think it’s going to be a really busy trade period and I think we’re going to have the domino that needs to be done that unlocks the rest of them, so there will be some hectic times I think this trade window.”
I have provided updates on Dyson Heppell, Ollie Henry, Geelong’s “number one target”, the happenings at the Giants and more.
Edmudn also reported on Thursday that Izak Rankine was being tempted by a move home to South Australia by the Crows with a big-money offer.
Dyson Heppell (unrestricted free agent)
“The Suns, they’re interested in Dyson Heppell. My gut feels is he stays at Essendon, it’ll get worked out (but) there’s been some haggling.
“Certainly there was a bit of frustration from both camps early, but I think they’re getting there and I think Dyson Heppell will stay but he’s got that offer to go up to Gold Coast to see him providing some great leadership up there for the Suns.”
Isaac Smith (unrestricted free agent)
“Isaac Smith is going to sign a one-year extension shortly with Geelong, (a) super recruit he has been.”
Ollie Henry (out of contract)
“I think Ollie Henry will get there (at Collingwood). He’s thrashing things out with Collingwood at the moment, still unsigned, so he it’s got Collingwood fans a little nervous. ”
“Geez, he’s showed some good sings this season, he’s been in and out of the side… but with McStay coming in – or so we think – that’s complicating things for Ollie Henry (like) where does he play, when does he play… so there’s a bit to work out there.”
Darcy Gardiner (restricted free agent)
“Darcy Gardiner is another player that remains unsigned at Brisbane that we haven’t spoken about a lot and there’s some real interest in him as a free agent, so that will be interesting.”
Cam Zurhaar (out of contract)
“Cam Zurhaar is still unsigned.
“He refused to sign or even get to the table while David Noble was there and now obviously, waiting to see what happens next.
“They cannot afford to lose Cam Zurhaar, he’s formed a really nice pairing with Nick Larkey there.
“As any player would be I imagine, he’s sitting back with the new coach coming in.”
What’s coming for GWS
“GWS, all bets are off here, they might be the most active in the trade window which we’ve spoken about as they look to balance the books.
“It’s not an exodus as such, I think it will be really targeted in terms of who they let go and they’ve got some levers to pull here given not all their players are in contract.
“Tanner Bruhn is definitely out, he wants to get back to Victoria only two years after being taken with Pick 12 in the 2020 draft.
“Bobby Hill has wanted a trade since this time last year, and Tim Taranto is out of contract and widely expected to seek a fresh start.
“And then there’s his midfield running mate Jacob Hopper, who’s got a year to run (on his contract with GWS) but Geelong have expressed a real interest in him, as well as Jordan De Goey.
“I think Hopper is their number one target there.
“Nick Haynes has been raised, (he’s) contracted long term, Lachie Whitfield even just around the edges as well as someone who’s locked in for the long term as well.
“So there’s a bit to work out at GWS also with a new coach coming in.”
.