News 2015 Trade News Compendium

[ZoBlitz]

Well I started last year's edition of this thread back in late September and begrudgingly I'm starting it a whole month early this year with the amount of trade stories that have come out in recent days. Hooray!

Remember, this thread is for news articles/possibly tweets if half-reputable and discussion posts will be deleted - feel free to chat about the articles in one of the other relevant threads around here.

Here's way too many trade stories for this time of year:


Brisbane Lions part ways with Jed Adcock (good run-down article, Adcock stuff quotes in other stories)

The latest Lion weighing up his future is Jack Redden, who comes out of contract at the end of next season. Leppitsch and the 24-year-old, who battled injury last season, are expected to meet in the coming weeks with the club determined to retain Redden.

With a disappointed Adcock, 29, looking for a new club, Fairfax Media understands Leppitsch has held talks in recent days with Dayne Zorko and Stefan Martin following reports they were seeking trades. Both players, when questioned by the coach, denied the reports.

Zorko, 26, one of the Lions on-field leaders, is in the midst of a contract extension negotiation while Martin, 28, is now expected to remain at Brisbane despite reports he wanted to return to Melbourne.

James Aish and Matthew Leuenberger are both quitting at the end of the season, having made their intentions clear for some months. The club has had seven top 30 draft picks depart over the past three years with the most disastrous exodus coming at the end of Voss' final season when Jared Polec, Sam Docherty, Patrick Karnezis and Billy Longer all quit with Brisbane failing to achieve adequate compensation for the promising young group.

The Lions have cleared the air with departing ruckman Leuenberger, who is now attracting interest from several clubs including the trade-restricted Swans. The Lions are determined to negotiate a high draft pick in exchange for the free agent.

Tom Bell could join Lachie Henderson in leaving Carlton this trade window

CARLTON is braced for more exits during the trade period, with big-bodied midfielder Tom Bell considering a move back to his native Queensland.

Bell remains under contract until 2016 and has not yet requested a trade, but the lure of home is a growing temptation.

The 24-year-old is committed to completing the season and will assess the club’s position before making any decision.

Bell’s family expected to play a big role in where he plays his football next season.

Swann on Adcock

Jed Adcock has been told he is not guaranteed a spot in the Senior side for the 2016 season, as the Club opts to fast-track the development of its young talent.

Adcock, who played his 200th game for the Club against North Melbourne at the Gabba in Round 17, met with Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch earlier this week.

Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann said Adcock wanted to know his future before the end of the Season, and Leppitsch had been up-front with him.

Jed Adcock told by Brisbane Lions he won’t get a contract next season

FORMER Brisbane captain Jed Adcock is set to leave the Lions at the end of this season.

Adcock was told by senior coach Justin Leppitsch this week that he could not be guaranteed a place in the senior side in 2016.

The 29-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season. Brisbane put off contract talks with Adcock midway through the year but the Lions believe he has not done enough to warrant an extension.

Midfielder James Aish and ruckman Matthew Leuenberger are also set to leave the Gabba.

Ruckman Stef Martin was reportedly considering requesting a trade so he can return to Melbourne to be closer to his girlfriend.

Lions vice-captain Dayne Zorko last week quashed speculation he was unhappy at the Gabba.

Matthew Scharenberg could stay at Collingwood despite trade rumours

Scharenberg’s signature would help the Magpies’ quest to build one of the most potent young lists with midfield gems James Aish and Adam Treloar favoured to cross in October’s trade period.

...

Brisbane Lion Aish is believed to have cooled on Carlton while rivals think the Magpies will beat Richmond and North Melbourne to Greater Western Sydney foundation player Treloar.

...

Lions powerbrokers are certain Aish will leave with some expecting the slick ball user to request a trade to Collingwood.

"He'll Stay," says Greg Swann

The Brisbane Lions are confident star ruckman Stefan Martin will remain at the Club.

Lions CEO Greg Swann said that Martin is considering signing a long-term deal to stay in Brisbane despite rumours to the contrary.

"He'll stay," Swann told Crocmedia's Sportsday program on Wednesday night.

"The story was that Stef wanted to go home but he's contracted and we are actually talking about extending that at the moment so I don't think he’ll be going anywhere."

...

"The good thing from our point of view is we've got some opportunities with other players, not public yet, who want to come to Brisbane.

Port swoop before Lions to snatch Charlie Dixon

Port Adelaide appears to have stolen a march on the Brisbane Lions for the second successive year with the Power looking likely to secure the services of Gold Coast forward Charlie Dixon on a five-year agreement.

Port coach Ken Hinkley and his assistant Shaun Hart, who were both close to Dixon when they worked at the Suns, have been working behind the scenes to woo the disenchanted 202 centimetre 24-year-old who has endured a troubled season at Gold Coast.

With Port currently paying more than 100 percent of the salary cap the club will almost certainly part with Jay Schulz, who last year knocked back a two-year agreement with his club and comes out of contract this year. Schulz has been linked with Fremantle. The Lions were initial favourites to secure Dixon and believed they were in the box seat towards the end of last season to sign Paddy Ryder before Port won the signature of the former Bomber.

Brisbane now seems certain to be losing James Aish and Matthew Leuenberger who have been linked to Collingwood and Geelong respectively.

Swans' ruck dilemma shapes as trade restrictions bite (older one)

THE Sydney Swans' trade restrictions continue to bite with the club keen to bolster its ruck division with Brisbane Lions free agent Matthew Leuenberger, but unable to field a competitive offer.

Leuenberger, 27, is set to become a restricted free agent at the end of this season and is understood to have attracted the interest of clubs headed by Essendon and Geelong.

Nonetheless, there had been growing speculation in industry circles that the Swans were keenly interested in Leuenberger and could make a play for the West Australian.

But AFL.com.au understands the Swans won't get to first base with Leuenberger given their inability to get close to rival offers that are expected to be at least $100,000 a season higher.

The Swans also have very little flexibility in how they can structure deals for recruits this season.

A League spokesman confirmed that if the Swans were, for instance, to offer Leuenberger or another rival player a three-year contract, the total salary must be capped at an average of $350,000 a season under the trade restrictions.

 

[ZoBlitz]

Oh I missed one

Collingwood is hopeful of securing Adam Treloar and James Aish during AFL trade period

The Magpies tried hard to sway the Lions to release Aish last year on the suggestion the second-year midfielder would be happy to carve out a football career in Melbourne.

One year on, the Magpies remain interested in Aish, with coach Nathan Buckley known to be a big fan of the 19-year-old Lion.

Collingwood defender Matthew Scharenberg is also a close friend of Aish’s.

But Collingwood will attempt to use their first draft pick on Treloar, and would have to offer Brisbane a secondary selection, and possibly defender Paul Seedsman, for Aish.

Brisbane has already ruled out accepting a straight swap of Aish for Seedsman.

If successful, Collingwood would off-load its two top picks for established players Treloar and Aish, making it only minor players in this year’s draft.

The Lions will adopt a hard-line stance at this year’s trade period and demand a first-round pick or gun forward for Aish, after losing five quality young players two various rivals two years ago.

The Lions’ trade demands will be based on the excellent form Aish produced in his debut season, when he finished fourth in the Rising Star and ninth in Brisbane’s best and fairest award.

The Lions are convinced Aish will leave the club at season’s end, despite assurances from his manager, Liam Pickering, his client has not made a decision.
Aish has played 32 games at the Lions but is out for the season with a finger tendon injury.

Carlton has been strongly linked to Aish, while Adelaide and Port Adelaide are also circling the No.7 draft pick in a bid to lure him back home to South Australia.

 

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Jake's break: Carlisle becomes hot property

WITH Lachie Henderson now almost certainly headed to Geelong and Robbie Tarrant re-signed at North Melbourne, Essendon's Jake Carlisle is now indisputably the hottest property in a market desperate for key defenders.

The Brisbane Lions, Western Bulldogs, Geelong, Carlton, North Melbourne, Fremantle, St Kilda and Hawthorn are among the clubs believed to be actively in the market for a key defender this year.

Clubs are prepared to offer him up to $700,000 to bolster their defences from 2016.

The pack leading the chase for Carlisle is believed to include Carlton, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.

The Bomber would also be a perfect fit for the Lions and Fremantle, but he is unlikely to leave Victoria.

 

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Carlton could head to the AFL Draft with as many as five top-20 picks this year

But hard-running onballer Tom Bell’s manager has confirmed to the Herald Sun he might seek a trade back to Brisbane in coming weeks.

Queenslander Bell is contracted for 2016 but his manager Tim Hazell said he would consider his future in coming weeks.

His father has been sick but Brisbane’s lack of draft picks — they will use them on Brisbane academy kids — makes a trade hard to orchestrate.

“Belly is contracted. His dad has been crook and at the moment he wants to concentrate on the year and see how the trade period plays out,’’ he said.

“He is just really focused on giving the footy club everything over the next fortnight.”

 

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Crows won’t match Danger offers: Denham (half-reputable might be a stretch)

The club would also reportedly like to get ruckman Matthew Leuenberger to Sydney, if their trade ban is removed.

 

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Brisbane Lions deny club is on brink of player exodus

BRISBANE CEO Greg Swann stands by the shake-up at the Gabba, declaring tough decisions must be made to drag the club out of the AFL cellar.

Former Lions captain Jed Adcock will leave Brisbane at the end of the season after being told by senior coach Justin Leppitsch this week he could no longer command a place in the club’s best 22.

Out-of-contract Adcock will join ruckman and free agent Matthew Leuenberger and midfielder James Aish in bidding farewell to the club.

Adcock, 29, is keen to play on in the AFL and enters the player market as an unrestricted free agent.

The imminent departures follow a Melbourne media report of a rift between captain Tom Rockliff and his deputy Dayne Zorko, and speculation a number of players want out of the Gabba.

But Swann emphatically rejected suggestions the club was in crisis and on the brink of a player exodus.

A host of players are off contract at the end of next year and club insiders suspect the rumour mill swirling around the club is being driven, to an extent, by player managers agitating for a larger slice of the pie for their clients.

Zorko is in talks about extending his contract with Brisbane while Swann is confident ruckman Stef Martin will also stay with the Lions.

It was suggested to the Gold Coast Suns six weeks ago they could pick up Zorko in the post-season trade period if they were interested.

Midfielder Jack Redden has been floated as another player who wants out but he has not requested a trade and is contracted for 2016.

 

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Gold Coast fights to keep Charlie Dixon

THE Suns say key forward Charlie Dixon will be a 15 to 16 game-a-season proposition for the rest of his career because of loose ankle joints in both feet.

Dixon will miss Saturday’s clash with Essendon because of the ankle injury he suffered in last week’s loss to Richmond.

However, coach Rodney Eade expects him to be available for next week’s game against Port Adelaide.

The powerhouse forward is out of contract and in hot demand from the Brisbane Lions and the Power, who are said to be prepared to pay him more than $3 million over five years.

 

[danielcan]

Thanks ZoBlitz. Am not on BigFooty much (ever since I discovered Twitter in 2009) but will keep checking this informative thread.

 

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Sydney could head to court as it chases Brisbane free agent Matthew Leuenberger

SYDNEY is leading the race for Brisbane’s Matthew Leuenberger but could be forced to court to secure his signature.

Greater Western Sydney, Fremantle, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs are also circling the 203cm Lions ruckman.

The Swans will lodge a formal submission with the AFL Commission next week seeking the right to take part in this year’s trade and free agency period.

Sydney has been banned from recruiting players at the end of this season if they offer more than the average wage — about $340,000.

The bidding war for Leuenberger could earn him more than $400,000-a-season — enough to land the battling Lions a compensation selection at the end of the first round of this year’s draft.

The Swans are exploring legal options and have not ruled out an explosive Supreme Court challenge if the AFL refuses its request.

A compromise deal could see the Swans permitted to spend up to $500,000 on a rival player.

 

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Brisbane Lions captain Tom Rockliff says it's hard for young players to handle the truth

The Lions entered Saturday night's game against Adelaide in 17th position on the ladder, and are lobbying for a priority pick from the AFL - with James Aish and Matthew Leuenberger both set to depart at season's end. Jack Redden, Dayne Zorko and Stefan Martin have all been reported as chances to leave the club, too, but Rockliff downplayed that threat. "They've all said that they're not going anywhere.

"You look at the boys who have been reported to leave. I've spoken to them ... and I take them on face value. They've all said they'll stay and that they're not going anywhere.

"Aishy's probably the only one who hasn't committed on that front."

Elaborating on ruckman Martin, Rockliff said that "apparently he's in contract talks, and he's [been discussed] for a little bit of a different reason, not so much around the footy club".

"I'm more than confident that everyone will stay."

 

[ZoBlitz]

Tough decisions are essential, says Swann

Swann said Vice-Captain Dayne Zorko is in talks about extending his contract, while the Club was confident ruckman Stef Martin will also stay with with the Lions and is close to a possible contract extension.

Swann also confirmed midfielder Jack Redden, who has been battling an on-going groin problem which has impacted on his form, is contracted for next year and has not requested a trade.

The Courier-Mail suggested rumours linked to the Club were being driven by player managers agitating for a larger slice of the pie for their clients, with a host of players are off contract at the end of 2016.

Zorko and Captain Tom Rockliff yesterday hosed down an inaccurate Melbourne media report of a rift between them, and speculation that a number of players want out of the Gabba.

 

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Justin Leppitsch says Brisbane Lions playing for their careers

Jed Adcock, Matthew Leunberger, James Aish and the retired Matt Maguire are certain departures with Brisbane set to recruit Academy prospects Ben Keays and Eric Hipwood and young gun key forward Josh Schache with their first draft pick.

But there will be more changes. Veterans Brent Staker and Luke McGuane are unlikely to get contracts while defender Mitch Golby has been in the NEAFL for most of 2015. Ruckman Trent West, Rohan Bewick and Ryan Harwood are out-of-contract but are likely to stay.

 

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AFL 2015: Lions coach Justin Leppitsch needs Craig Lambert on board (HAMMO ALERT)

Stefan Martin has talked about returning to Melbourne, Port Adelaide are into Jack Redden and there are clubs that believe Dayne Zorko is available if they want him.

 

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Geelong to rebuild with Henderson, Dangerfield and Selwood (few days old and Denham)

After initially expressing an interest in Brisbane’s free-agent ruckman Matthew Leuenberger, Geelong have dropped off him.

 

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Brisbane Lions head the queue to sign Hawthorn's Matt Suckling (from June)

The Brisbane Lions head the clubs pursuing Hawthorn defender and free agent Matt Suckling, who is weighing up his future.

Suckling has received an offer from the Hawks, who are waiting to hear a response from Suckling's management, while the Lions are among clubs that have expressed interest in the running defender, who is an unrestricted free agent this year.

Sources said the Lions viewed Suckling as "gettable" and a player, who unlike their other target, Gold Coast key forward Charlie Dixon, would not be super expensive if he was persuaded to leave the Hawks. As an unrestricted free agent, Suckling is free to cross to the club of his choice — the Hawks cannot retain him by matching if he exercises his free agent rights at the end of the season, because he does not rank inside their top 10 players for remuneration.

Industry sources suggested that Suckling, who turns 27 in late July, would want — and suitors would certainly offer — a three-year deal.

The Lions have been aggressive in the out-of-contract market, particularly in their pursuit of Dixon, who is out of contract but not a free agent and would almost certainly have to be traded if he left the Suns. But, contrary to speculation, the Lions are not a serious suitor for Carlton's Lachie Henderson, who is a key target for Geelong and has put off contract talks. The Blues want to retain Henderson, but are aware that he could seek a trade, with Geelong the frontrunner if he leaves (he is from nearby Birregurra).

 

[ZoBlitz]

Lions aim to secure free agent Matt Suckling through the draft (from last week)

The Brisbane Lions' decision to back away from the free agency market could cost the club Hawthorn defender Matthew Suckling.

The Lions have strong interest in the premiership player but would prefer for him to join the club through the pre-season draft rather than as a free agent.

The club does not want to bring a free agent in, given that to do so would mean missing out on compensation should ruckman Matthew Leuenberger depart.

Under free agency rules, clubs are compensated for departing free agents only if they finish with a net loss of players.

Suckling is considering his options for next season, but the Lions have been told that if it happens it will be as an unrestricted free agent or via a trade.

While Suckling remains a priority target for Brisbane, it is understood the Lions have withdrawn from discussions about at least two other free agents.

Suckling, who may yet remain at Hawthorn, is one of only a few Hawks yet to be re-contracted for 2016.

It is understood the 26-year-old has been offered a four-year deal, averaging about $400,000 per season, to move to Brisbane.

As an unrestricted free agent Suckling would be able to move to the Lions without the interference of Hawthorn, who would be unable to match the offer.

The two clubs could also negotiate a trade, though the Lions would not want to give up a valuable pick with the pre-season draft option available to them.

 

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Gold Coast Suns facing salary cap issue with three key players out of contract

Dixon has been offered $3 million over five years by Brisbane and could reportedly earn closer to $700,000 a season at Port Adelaide.

The Suns wish to keep the powerful full-forward and are prepared to pay about $500,000 a year for him, which is more than they had initially earmarked but still well short of the $750,000 figure that is said to be his asking price.

Meanwhile, GWS could join cross-town rivals the Swans in the hunt for Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger.

The Giants need a player to support Shane Mumford.

The powerhouse former Swans premiership player has knee issues that are likely to remain throughout his career and restrict him from playing every week.

Sun Zac Smith is another out-of-contract ruckman who could appeal but Leuenberger is considered the more attractive option.

 

[ZoBlitz]

Season review: Brisbane Lions (more of a list review story but anyway)

Who's done?
Retirements: Matt Maguire has already finished up after being unable to overcome concussion he suffered in the NEAFL. It would not surprise to see luckless Brent Staker finish up either after another disjointed season.

Delistings: Reading between the lines, there will be some nervous players at season's end, despite the retirements and expected trades. Jackson Paine and Mitch Golby are in danger of the chop after failing to grab their chances, while Luke McGuane is treading a fine line with his unreliable body and form.

Trades/free agents: Aish is on his way out, while the club is also happy for free agent ruckman Matthew Leuenberger to look elsewhere. Former skipper Jed Adcock – also a free agent – has already been told he is no longer required.

 

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Lions unlikely to land Dixon, focused on developing young key forwards

THE BRISBANE Lions appear out of the race to secure Charlie Dixon, with Justin Leppitsch saying the Lions would develop their key forwards from within.

Dixon, the powerhouse Gold Coast full-forward, is out of contract at season's end and has attracted interest from a number of clubs, including the Lions, Port Adelaide and Fremantle.

But the Lions now seem resigned to missing out on his signature.

When asked whether the club was resigned to missing out on mature forwards during the trade period and resorting to developing their own crop, Leppitsch was blunt.

"It seems to be the case," he said.

"We've got some good young keys. We have to develop our own.

"We know with young keys it doesn't happen overnight. We have some issues there we know can't be fixed overnight, but we're hell-bent on making it better and making it better as quick as we can."

"Reddo's (Jack Redden) got no intention to leave, (Dayne) Zorko's got no intention to leave, Stef's (Stefan Martin) got no intention to leave," he said.

"It's hard to constantly refute things.

"All we can do is wait for the trade period and let's all just shut up and wait and see what happens. If you're right, you're right, if you're not, you're not."

 

[ZoBlitz]

Who is your club targeting at the trade table?

Twelve months after securing Dayne Beams and Allen Christensen during the trade period, it looks like being another active off-season for the Lions. James Aish will almost certainly leave, and appears bound for either Collingwood or Carlton. Blue Tom Bell has been linked to a return to his home state and might make a nice swap if Aish ends up there. If he goes to the Magpies, the Lions should be satisfied with a high draft pick they could then use to lock up academy products Ben Keays and Eric Hipwood. Suns forward Charlie Dixon has been heavily courted by the club, but appears lukewarm on the idea at best, while Swan Kurt Tippett is again in the crosshairs as the Lions desperately chase a mature key forward.

Dream trade: Kurt Tippett. Tippett has been mentioned as possible trade bait and with the Swans keen on Matthew Leuenberger, there’s a deal there if both clubs can convince the AFL to drop the Swans’ trading ban. Leuenberger is a free agent, so the Lions would have to use their compensation pick to get Tippett.

 

[ZoBlitz]

Swans look for trade ban relief

Fairfax Media understands the Swans, looking to land a ruckman such as Matthew Leuenberger or Zac Smith, are attempting to persuade the AFL that they should be allowed to at least trade in a player of equal financial value to a departing or retiring player.

The out-of-contract Lewis Jetta is one player potentially seeking a trade while the retiring Rhys Shaw could soon be joined by Adam Goodes. Ted Richards, 32, is also unsigned beyond this season.

Sydney has put forward a scenario to head office that would see a player traded out for, say, $500,000 a season then allow a player traded in for the same amount.

 

[ZoBlitz]

Saints join the race for James Aish

St Kilda has joined the race for out of contract Brisbane Lion youngster James Aish, who is weighing up approaches from a number of clubs.

Collingwood and Carlton have also shown interest in recruiting the ex-South Australian midfielder, whom the Lions still think is likely to leave, although the club felt there was a "small chance" of retaining him.

Sources have confirmed that the Saints have made approaches to the Aish camp and made a play for the 19-year-old, who has not officially told the Lions he is leaving.

Aish's management has told the Lions that the player still hasn't informed him where he wishes to play in 2016. Brisbane has had a contract offer on the table since early this season, but with no discussions about the deal, the Lions have long expected that he would leave.

 

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Brisbane may release Jack Redden as part of rebuilding plan (Denham alert)

In a surprise move, the Lions are understood to be open to considering trade offers for Redden, who has been floated to a number of rival clubs by his management even though he is contracted until the end of 2016.

Brisbane have yet to be informed of South Australian Redden’s intentions, but are aware that he could request a trade and are willing to field offers. From his debut in 2009, Redden played 112 consecutive games before requiring ankle surgery late last year.

The club is confident of retaining Daniel Rich long-term and are preparing to re-sign him this year, 12 months before he becomes a free agent. The Lions have also begun negotiations with Dayne Zorko, who is out of contract at the end of next year.

In a further surprise, Brisbane have gone cold on Gold Coast forward Charlie Dixon and Hawthorn free agent Matthew Suckling, who both could remain at their current clubs.

Sydney, GWS, the Western Bulldogs and Essendon are all chasing Brisbane free agent ruckman Matthew Leuenberger, who will leave provided the contracted Stefan Martin stays.

The Swans appear almost certain to lose Lewis Jetta to West Coast. Should they be clear to trade in Leuenberger on an annual deal starting at $550,000, the Lions could argue their case for their compensation to be the No.2 selection, giving them the first two picks in November.