Jason McCartney – Michmutters
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Brodie Grundy Melbourne Demons meeting, Port Adelaide salary cap, Tim Taranto Richmond

Brodie Grundy reportedly walked away from a recent meeting with Melbourne very impressed.

Plus why the Power are well placed for the next few years and the two-club race for a Giants star.

Get the latest player movement news and updates in AFL Trade Whispers!

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PIES STAR ‘BLOWN AWAY’ BY DEES IN MEETING

Brodie Grundy was reportedly “blown away” by Melbourne when the Collingwood star met with key Dees figures in recent weeks.

The Demons, as well as Geelong, last week emerged as “potential new suitors” for Grundy, who’s now central to ample trade speculation as the Pies consider offloading the 28-year-old’s lucrative contract — worth around $1 million per season until 2027 — to clear cap space for the likes of rival players Dan McStay, Bobby Hill and Tim Taranto.

Giants football boss Jason McCartney was seen meeting Grundy’s manager last month, while Port Adelaide has also been linked to the dual All-Australian.

While the Giants are now considered out of the race, the Dees have emerged as the front-runners for Grundy, who reportedly met with Melbourne figures, including coach Simon Goodwin, footy boss Alan Richardson and skipper Max Gawn, in recent weeks.

Lewis 50/50 on Gawn & Grundy tandem | 01:24

And SEN reporter Sam Edmund said Grundy liked what he saw from the Dees.

“He was so impressed by the vision Melbourne set, their professionalism and what they sold to him,” Edmund told SEN’s Crunch Time.

“It doesn’t mean that Melbourne are going for Brodie Grundy as a priority, I’m told they might want to go younger, they might want to go cheaper, but they have met with him and been very impressive getting in front of Brodie Grundy.”

Edmund pointed out the Dees also impressed Adam Cerra in a presentation, only for the midfielder to choose Carlton as Melbourne “didn’t have the levers to pull to get him in the door”.

While Goodwin last week didn’t confirm the club had met with Grundy, he said the Dees were keen to play two rucks next season amid Luke Jackson’s strong links to Fremantle.

Grundy, who hasn’t played an AFL game since Anzac Day due to a knee issue, had been nearing a return to the AFL before suffering a stress fracture in his ankle in a VFL match, ruling him out for the rest of the home and away season.

POWER PRIMED TO LAUNCH IN OFF-SEASON

Port Adelaide is well prepared to pounce on a star rival player at some stage over the next two years thanks to clever list decisions, reports the Herald Sun.

While the Power will miss finals this year after two straight preliminary final appearances in the previous two seasons, they’re in a good position to launch into the market either this year or next year.

the Herald Sun reported the Power have the capacity to be “bold and adventurous”, thanks to shrewd list management calls that have seen them generate more salary cap space than most other rival clubs.

Koch keeps Hinkley for 2023! | 02:49

According to the newspaper’s ‘AFL Rich 100’, which ranks the top 100 highest-paid players in the competition in 2022, only one Power player sits inside the top 50 – Brownlow Medalist Ollie Wines at $750,000 to $850,000 – with Scott Lycett (No. 75) and Charlie Dixon (No. 100) next in line.

It means they could make a big play for Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley or contracted Magpie Brodie Grundy, should either of them wish to move to South Australia.

The Power are preparing to lose wingman Karl Amon, who’s set to exercise his free agency rights and join a rival Victorian club.

TIGERS ‘RIGHT IN THE MIX’ FOR GIANTS STAR

Collingwood could have a fight on its hands to land Tim Taranto, with Richmond “coming hard” for the off-contract Giant.

The Giants, again, are set to be active during the upcoming AFL exchange period, with several players, including Taranto, Jacob Hopper, Tanner Bruhn and Bobby Hill linked to rival clubs.

Taranto has been linked to four Victorian-based clubs, but the Tigers and Magpies appear best placed to fight for his services.

Despite the strong links to Collingwood, SEN reporter Sam Edmund said the Tigers were “right in the mix” for Taranto.

Rutten optimistic Heppell will stay | 00:48

“I know he’s been linked heavily with Collingwood, but Richmond (is) coming hard for Tim Taranto as well,” Edmund told Crunch Time.

“If you’re sitting here right now, you’re saying he’s either going to be at Punt Road or Collingwood next year.”

Taranto, who is out of contract but not a free agent until 2024, would be worth a first-round draft pick, according to Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy.

The on-baller has played 113 games for the Giants since being drafted with Pick 2 in the 2016 draft. He won the club’s best and fairest in its Grand Final year of 2019.

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Brodie Grundy Melbourne meeting, Collingwood contract, Cameron Zurhaar Essendon, Dyson Heppell Gold Coast

Brodie Grundy’s link to the Dees has strengthened after three key Melbourne figures met with the Pies ruck.

Plus while Essendon remains in negotiations with its skipper, it’s flagged preliminary interest in a North forward.

Get the latest player movement news and updates in AFL Trade Whispers!

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NEW FOX FOOTY PODCAST — Finals fight down to 10 amid a Blue’s big bump and Crows camp fallout

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KEY DEES TRIO MEET WITH PIES STAR

Not only is Melbourne interested in Brodie Grundy, the club has met with the star ruckman, according to Sportsday reporter Sam McClure.

the Herald Sun reported on Tuesday night that the Demons, as well as Geelong, had emerged as “potential new suitors” for Grundy, who’s now central to ample trade speculation despite being contracted to the Pies until the end of 2027 on a deal reportedly worth around $1 million per season.

Giants football boss Jason McCartney was seen meeting Grundy’s manager last month, while Port Adelaide has also been linked to the dual All-Australian.

Speaking on 3AW’s sports day on Tuesday night, McClure said the Dees had been proactive and met with Grundy “in recent days”.

“Simon Goodwin was definitely there, Alan Richardson was definitely there and Max Gawn was definitely there,” McClure told 3AW.

Jamie Elliot signs with Feet until 2025 | 00:37

“Clearly Melbourne are of the belief that Luke Jackson is going to Fremantle, so they are on the lookout early and are getting in early in the queue for a direct replacement.”

While Jackson appears increasingly likely to request a trade to Fremantle, the Demons are keen to continue with a two-ruck strategy — and pairing Gawn and Grundy would bring together two of the AFL’s premier ruckmen in the past decade.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae declared on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 last month he wanted Grundy at the club next season, but remained tight-lipped on whether he was up for trade.

Grundy, who hasn’t played an AFL game since Anzac Day due to a knee issue, had been nearing a return to the AFL before suffering a stress fracture in his ankle in a VFL match, ruling him out for the rest of the home and away season.

BOMBERS EYE OFF-CONTRACT ROO

Gun Kangaroos goalkicker Cameron Zurhaar has received “preliminary” interest from Essendon, SEN reports.

Zurhaar, who’s been one of the Kangaroos’ most important forward 50 players over the past four seasons, in May put off contract talks, with his manager Anthony McConville telling the Herald Sun the timing was “not right to have fruitful discussions”.

That call to park negotiations, though, came before North parted ways with senior coach David Noble. And Zurhaar has been in excellent form under caretaker coach Leigh Adams, booting 13 goals from his past four games — including four from 18 disposals and seven marks against Essendon in Round 20 — to take his season tally to a career-high 32.

Bombers inflict more misery on Kangaroos | 01:11

SEN reported the Bombers had “some interest” in Zurhaar, but the Roos also had hope he would re-sign with them after a senior coach is appointed.

The report also suggested the Bombers are looking to acquire a big-bodied midfielder during the AFL exchange period.

Zurhaar, 24, has blossomed at North since being selected as a rookie in 2016.

He’s been among the top two leading goalkickers at the club for the past four straight years, including topping the table in 2020 with 18 majors from 16 games.

HEPPELL GRILLED OVER FRESH SUNS LINK

Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell has been quizzed about his playing future amid reports of a juicy Gold Coast offer.

As Heppell weighs up a one-year offer to stay at Essendon, the Suns have reportedly upped their offer to the veteran defender and are prepared to offer him a two-year deal with the potential of a coaching future at the club post-playing career. .

While no formal deal had been tabled yet, SEN reported on Tuesday the Suns were preparing a four-year offer that would likely entail two seasons as a player then two as an assistant coach.

Suns succumb to Hawks hot streak | 02:07

Speaking to TV reporters on Tuesday, Heppell said his manager and the Bombers were “working through” negotiations, adding he was hopeful “something will be sorted soon.”

Asked if he was torn on his decision, Heppell told reporters: “We’re working through that at the moment. I’m really just honing in on trying to finish off the year well with the Dons and see how we go from there.”

Asked if a longer term deal would be more appealing, Heppell said: “Who knows at the moment? Everything will get sorted ASAP. I’m just trying to lead the club as best as I possibly can.”

As an unrestricted free agent, Heppell could walk to another club without a trade being made.

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Brodie Grundy Port Adelaide, Collingwood contract, Elliott Himmelberg Fremantle, Jordan De Goey St Kilda

Another rival club has been linked to Brodie Grundy, while St Kilda’s interest in his teammate hasn’t cooled.

Plus Fremantle is keeping tabs on a fringe Crow.

Get the latest player movement news and updates in AFL Trade Whispers!

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NEW SUIT FOR PIES STAR

Port Adelaide has emerged as a suitor for Brodie Grundy should the star ruck wish to be traded at season’s end, reports 7NewsMelbourne.

Multiple reports have indicated Grundy’s management are preparing to be asked by Collingwood about the possibility of trading the dual All-Australian, even though he’s contracted to the club until the end of 2027 on a deal worth around $1 million per season.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae last week declared on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 he wanted Grundy at the club next season, but remained tight-lipped on whether he was up for trade.

The Giants reportedly have interest in Grundy – speculation that grew last month when Grundy’s manager was seen meeting with Giants football boss Jason McCartney, where the dual All-Australian’s future was reportedly discussed.

But 7NewsMelbourne reported the Power was also keeping tabs on Grundy’s situation.

McRae evasive on Grundy & De Goey trades | 01:54

“Port Adelaide is interested in where Grundy is going to end up and his trade status at the end of the year,” reporter Tom Browne told 7NewsMelbourne. “But at this stage the Power don’t see Grundy leaving Victoria

“If Grundy approves, Collingwood is expected to gauge his trade interest post-season.”

Power premiership player Kane Cornes last month flagged his old club as an appropriate destination for Grundy should he be prepared to move home, telling SEN Breakfast the Power could “absolutely use” Grundy and adding: “He’d fit in at Port Adelaide and take over from Scott Lycett.”

DOCKERS ‘IDENTIFY’ FRINGE CROW TO POSSIBLY FILL CHASM

Crows forward Elliott Himmelberg has been identified by Fremantle as a possible trade acquisition, reports SEN SA.

The Dockers are bracing to lose goalkicker Rory Lobb, who’s expected to request a trade at season’s end despite still being contracted to Freo.

Himmelberg, 24, kicked bags of four goals in Adelaide’s wins over the Power and Tigers earlier this season, but has struggled for senior game time this year with Riley Thilthorpe, Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty the preferred key-position combination.

Subsequently, Fremantle is reportedly keeping tabs on Himmelberg, who’s kicked 38 goals from just 37 games since being taken with Pick 51 in the 2016 draft.

Busy off-season looms for the Dockers | 00:56

“Fremantle are putting together their list of how they overcome the issues of what they’ve got in attack, or don’t have in attack,” veteran journalist Michelangelo Rucci told SEN SA’s The Run Home.

“And the player that they’re identifying – I stress identifying, so they’re doing their due diligence – is Elliott Himmelberg at Adelaide. He’s out of contract, they think he’s the fit for them.

“We know he’s a tall player who can play forward and ruck – they want him as a forward. They desperately need to shore up their attack.

“He is growing with interest at Fremantle.”

SAINTS INSIST DE GOEY INTERESTED HASN’T COOLED

St Kilda coach Brett Ratten insists his club’s interest in Jordan De Goey hasn’t waned, even though the board has yet to approve a pursuit of the Collingwood free agent.

It was revealed earlier this week the Saints’ board had asked the football department for more information about De Goey, who’s out of contract at season’s end and eligible for free agency.

The Age reported the board wanted clarity around how De Goey would fit within the club’s playing list, as well as its leadership and values.

St Kilda Saints press conference | 06:25

But Ratten denied that it was a sign that the club had cooled on its pursuit of De Goey, saying it was perfectly normal for the board to ask questions about the star Magpie before potentially recruiting him.

“It doesn’t matter if we’re employing new staff members or players, we have to run things past the board and they have the right to challenge and ask questions and see where we’re at with it,” Ratten said.

“He’s very talented but we’re still working through that.”

Geelong has also been linked to De Goey.

— with NCA Newswire

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