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NORTH Melbourne forward Aaron Black won't be up for grabs when the NAB AFL Trade Period opens on Monday morning despite reports Fremantle will make a renewed push to lure the West Australian home.
News Limited reported on Saturday night that Fremantle had approached North this week about Black and would attempt to broker a trade when the clubs met for official trade talks on Monday.
However, Black's manager, Jason Dover of Stride Sports Management, told AFL.com.au on Sunday his client would not be going anywhere.
"With Jarrad Waite coming to the club, we have spoken to the Kangaroos about how that might affect Aaron's role in the team," Dover said.
"We've been assured that Aaron very much remains a required player and is seen as a vital part of North's future plans in attack.
"I understand there was an approach from Fremantle about Aaron, but North have said there is zero chance of a trade being done."
Fremantle came close to prying Black from Arden Street at the end of last season, but North eventually re-signed him to the end of 2017.
Black had been struggling with homesickness at the time, but North came up with a plan that allowed the forward to spend more time with his WA-based family.
Black kicked 33 goals in 18 games in a breakthrough 2013 season. He played every game this season, but kicked just 26 goals in 25 games as he struggled with form and a shoulder injury.
North coach Brad Scott said last month that the athletic 192cm forward brought unique attributes to the Roos' attack.
Essendon midfielder in limbo
Out-of-contract Bomber Ben Howlett remains undecided on his future on the eve of trade period.
AFL.com.au understands Howlett has recently received an improved contract offer from Essendon, but that the parties remain some way apart from agreeing to a deal.
Reports have linked the former Peel Thunder player to West Coast and Fremantle.
Although both WA clubs are interested in Howlett, AFL.com.au understands that if he is to leave Essendon he is most likely to join one of a number of interested Victorian clubs.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of Essendon coach James Hird is further clouding Howlett's decision.
It is believed Hird is a major supporter of Howlett's and that the club's looming call on the embattled coach's future will be a major factor in the 25-year-old midfielder's decision.
News Limited reported on Saturday night that Fremantle had approached North this week about Black and would attempt to broker a trade when the clubs met for official trade talks on Monday.
However, Black's manager, Jason Dover of Stride Sports Management, told AFL.com.au on Sunday his client would not be going anywhere.
"With Jarrad Waite coming to the club, we have spoken to the Kangaroos about how that might affect Aaron's role in the team," Dover said.
"We've been assured that Aaron very much remains a required player and is seen as a vital part of North's future plans in attack.
"I understand there was an approach from Fremantle about Aaron, but North have said there is zero chance of a trade being done."
Fremantle came close to prying Black from Arden Street at the end of last season, but North eventually re-signed him to the end of 2017.
Black had been struggling with homesickness at the time, but North came up with a plan that allowed the forward to spend more time with his WA-based family.
Black kicked 33 goals in 18 games in a breakthrough 2013 season. He played every game this season, but kicked just 26 goals in 25 games as he struggled with form and a shoulder injury.
North coach Brad Scott said last month that the athletic 192cm forward brought unique attributes to the Roos' attack.
Essendon midfielder in limbo
Out-of-contract Bomber Ben Howlett remains undecided on his future on the eve of trade period.
AFL.com.au understands Howlett has recently received an improved contract offer from Essendon, but that the parties remain some way apart from agreeing to a deal.
Reports have linked the former Peel Thunder player to West Coast and Fremantle.
Although both WA clubs are interested in Howlett, AFL.com.au understands that if he is to leave Essendon he is most likely to join one of a number of interested Victorian clubs.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of Essendon coach James Hird is further clouding Howlett's decision.
It is believed Hird is a major supporter of Howlett's and that the club's looming call on the embattled coach's future will be a major factor in the 25-year-old midfielder's decision.
Bomber Ben Howlett's future is clouded. Picture: AFL Media
Saints' pick No.1
Talks around St Kilda's coveted No.1 draft pick stalled over the weekend and AFL.com.au understands the club is yet to field any firm offers from rival clubs.
The Saints remain keen on Greater Western Sydney youngsters Kristian Jaksch and Jono O'Rourke, but it is understood they want to keep any trade negotiations around the GWS pair separate from talks on the No.1 pick.
Carlton has firmed as the frontrunner to secure versatile key-position player Jaksch after losing tall forward Jarrad Waite on the opening day of the free agency period.
The Saints face stiff competition from Hawthorn in the race for midfielder O'Rourke. It is believed 2012's No. 2 draft pick is still weighing up which club he will nominate as his preferred new home.
Greenwood a key signing for North
North Melbourne's excitement over signing free agents Jarrad Waite and Shaun Higgins on Friday was tempered by the fact rejuvenated midfielder Levi Greenwood remained out of contract despite protracted negotiations.
Greenwood was a very popular third-placegetter in the Roos' best and fairest count on Friday night, but the North faithful hoping for news of the midfielder's re-signing left disappointed and a little worried, especially given reports that Collingwood, the Western Bulldogs and, to a lesser extent, Richmond were circling Greenwood.
However, North coach Brad Scott told ABC Radio on Saturday that the club regarded Greenwood as "a critical signing" and was hopeful the 25-year-old would accept an improved contract offer.
"[Our] offer probably has changed a little bit because he's come off a pretty lean two-year period before this year," Scott said.
"Contract negotiations through the club started early this year and clearly his form has warranted an increase in both financial terms and contract length.
"We think we've got a really good offer in front of him at the moment and we're really hopeful he'll accept that."
West Coast tall in demand
It is understood clubs have made inquiries about West Coast ruckman Callum Sinclair as the number of big men in trade discussions continues to grow.
Sinclair signed a new two-year contract with the Eagles in July, but he would likely remain behind big men Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett in the pecking order next season.
Other ruckman looking for new homes this trade period include Port Adelaide targets Patrick Ryder (Essendon) and Daniel Gorringe (Gold Coast), GWS' Jonathan Giles, Hawthorn's Luke Lowden and, possibly, Fremantle's Jonathon Griffin.
In addition to the Power, who are seeking much-needed support for ruckman Matthew Lobbe, Adelaide is among other clubs looking to bolster their ruck divisions, with Essendon (if they lose Ryder), the Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs also chances to explore trades.
North Melbourne's Aaron Mullett has been linked with Collingwood. Picture: AFL Media
Mullett trade talk a bit Fishy
After falling out of favour late in the 2014 season and missing the finals series, North defender Aaron Mullett has been linked with Collingwood.
However, AFL.com.au understands the Magpies will not seek a trade for the 22-year-old Roo, who is contracted for 2015.
North football director Geoff Walsh also told AFL.com.au on Tuesday that Mullett remained a required player at Arden Street.
"He's contracted, he's had his player review and we expect Aaron to be here. There's no reason to think otherwise," Walsh said.
Blue could return home
The Eagles could look to meet with Carlton midfielder Kane Lucas in the opening week of the trade period, with the 2009 first-round draft pick out of contract and exploring opportunities.
AFL.com.au understands the Eagles have only mild interest in the 23-year-old Blue and are unlikely to pursue delisted Geelong midfielder George Burbury or Carlton small forward Jeff Garlett, who has been linked to a move home to Western Australia.
With a lack of top-line midfielders in the market, the Eagles' most likely trade period strategy will be to try to improve their position in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.
Dockers set to sign Irishman
Fremantle appears close to signing Irishman Sean Hurley as an international rookie 12 months after the young key-position prospect first trialled with the club in Perth.
Hurley spent 2014 with his Gaelic football club, Kildare, but has told the club he will accept a contract with the Dockers, according to the Irish Independent.
AFL.com.au understands Fremantle is still finalising the terms of Hurley's deal.
Players in limbo
In this era of free agency and delisted free agency, more and more out-of-contract players are being left in limbo as their clubs put off calls on their futures until assessing all their recruitment options.
Players in this position in 2014 include North small forward Robbie Nahas, Carlton small man David Ellard, Adelaide tall forward Lewis Johnston and St Kilda veteran Adam Schneider.
All four players remain reasonable chances to play on at their clubs in 2015, but face nervous waits over the next month.
Twitter: @AFL_Nick
Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
