The verdict on 10 biggest stars in the AFL trade period … and where they will land
While plenty of once out-of-contract players have put pen to paper, nearly a dozen big name stars are still grappling with the decision of whether to stay or go ahead of the 2025 season.
A mass exodus could await the Tigers in the midst of an already tough re-build, while Hawthorn seem to be linked with several key figures on the trade table.
As the market stands right now, this is Fox Footy’s Trade Verdict for 10 of the competition’s most high-profile players that have a big decision looming!
BAILEY SMITH
What was once a four-horse race for the 23-year-old, could well now just be one. The Western Bulldogs midfielder has missed the 2024 season in its entirety due to a torn ACL, and with his contract about to expire, he looks certain to leave the Kennel. Initially, both Geelong and Collingwood were the early favourites for the star. Business partners Josh and Nick Daicos align well with Smith at the Magpies, while the lifestyle and culture at Geelong is a hard one to turn down; especially when his own personal sponsor Cotton On is also that of the Cats. As the season went on however, the Pies have slowly flown out of the race for now, with rival birds the Hawks injecting themselves into calculations. Their hands look rather tied at the minute juggling Josh Battle, Tom Barrass and Harry Perryman; which now makes Smith playing at the Hawks more unlikely than likely. With all but a line through a return for the Bulldogs, Geelong sits the clear favourites to gain his services in 2025.
Verdict: Going. All signs point towards a trade to Geelong, but the Hawks remain a possibility.
While suited to several clubs across the league, only West Coast has been genuinely chasing the services of English since he first became a target. That being said, it’s shaped up more likely than not that he’ll stay a Bulldog for the next several years. With a five-year deal on the table from his current club, the Eagles have offered six – but how much does that extra year mean to him? Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark reported on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle that an important meeting between English and his manager Andrew McDougall looms in the coming weeks that could decide his future, but our gut feel is he’ll stay put. The resurgence of Luke Beveridge’s side in 2024 could well play a big factor in a decision to sign on, as well as keeping the likes of Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Ed Richards in his midfield.
TOM BARRASS
The star West Coast defender has been thrown back into the trade limelight the last month, despite only recently stating publicly that he would stay an Eagle for life “unless the rug gets pulled out” from under his feet. He’s contracted until the end of 2027, but the 197cm tall is being pursued by both Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs – with the former particularly interested with coach Sam Mitchell flying across the country to meet with him. While the perfect fit for both sides, the Hawks will be more desperate for his services given Rory Lobb’s seamless transition into the Bulldogs’ defence. Hawthorn currently own picks 9 and 28, but will need to get their hands on many more high-end picks if they’re to pull off the heist they hope they will this off-season. At 30 years of age come the start of 2025, Barrass is in his prime – and if Hawthorn can repeat their form from this year, he could just be the key to becoming a premiership contender. With family on the east coast, all signs point towards now – if ever – being the right time for Barrass to join a second club, and the Eagles to cash in on draft picks (if the price is right).
Verdict: Going. Should be the number one priority of both Hawthorn and the Bulldogs this off-season.
JOSH BATTLE
The first of the several players Hawthorn publicly said they were up for chasing this off-season is still un-signed, with pressure mounting for Battle’s signature at St Kilda. Given the hunt for Barrass has surged rapidly from the Hawks, perhaps he has become less of a priority? It’s hard to tell, but either way Battle would be an excellent asset for a rival club. With the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph reporting that the key defender could be paid as much as $950,000 a year, the lure is well and truly there for him to leave Moorabbin beyond 2024. Where the Hawks prioritise Battle at the start of the trade period will be nothing short of fascinating, and could well determine the futures of other players like Barrass, Bailey Smith and Harry Perryman.
Verdict: Going.That being said, a lot hinges on where Hawthorn prioritise him among other trade targets.
DANIEL RIOLI
