ALL YOUR ruckmen injured? Got no key defenders? Short of a crumbing forward?

If the AFL had a mid-season trade period, who would your club target?

Our reporters consider what your club needs right now, and for the short-term future, while also factoring in what would be a realistic trade. Check it out.

Adelaide Crows

Trade targets 

Jack Martin: The Gold Coast speedster, off contract at the end of 2019, would add pace to a slow Crows midfield. The rebuilding Suns could be tempted to trade the 24-year-old for a second-round pick.

Lewis Taylor: The former Rising Star winner might need a fresh start after going in and out of Brisbane's best 22 this season. The 24-year-old, who has played 110 games for the Lions, would be dangerous as a pressure forward while also rolling through the midfield.

Robbie Tarrant: With North Melbourne changing coaches, the Kangaroos could look to offload veterans as they straight from scratch, for young players and/or draft picks. Tarrant, 30, is a quality key defender who would slot straight into the Crows side.

On the table  

Josh Jenkins: The key forward appears to be surplus to requirements at the Crows. Is a proven goal-kicker and at age 30, still has a couple of productive years left.

Bryce Gibbs: Another 30-year-old who can't get a game at the Crows. Could be useful to a contending side and wouldn't ask for a high draft pick in return.

2019 second-round pick (Adelaide): The Crows currently have Carlton's first and second round picks, along with their own second rounder, but traded out their third, fourth and fifth-round picks. The second-rounder could be used to get Martin, assuming the Crows get second or third-round picks back for Jenkins and Gibbs. - Lee Gaskin

Brisbane Lions

Trade targets 

Darcy Parish: In his fourth season, the Essendon midfielder falls right in the wheelhouse of experience to blend nicely into Brisbane's list.

Oskar Baker: Desperate to find some speed in their back half, the Queenslander would be a perfect target to bring home and play a wing/half-back role.

Second-round draft pick: Already equipped with two of these, the Lions need to stack up points to ensure they secure rapidly improving Academy product Keidan Coleman.

On the table

Tom Cutler: Blessed with speed and a penetrating right boot, Cutler started in the NEAFL this season and was dropped just three games after being called up. The Victorian is good enough to be playing every week.

Lewis Taylor: Like Cutler, is on the fringe of the club's best 22 but is out more than he's in at the moment. Could definitely help a team needing speed in its front half but is trapped behind Lincoln McCarthy as a half-forward.

First-round draft pick: Just like Lachie Neale and Charlie Cameron the previous two years, the Lions would be happy to part ways with a high-end pick to secure mature talent. They currently have Collingwood's first round selection.

Carlton

Trade targets

Brandon Ellis: The Blues could take advantage of Ellis' contract situation, given he's one of just three restricted free agents in the League. He has won plenty of the footy in an impressive spell of form since returning from the fringes of the Tigers' best team.

Tom Cutler: In a similar sense to Ellis, could Cutler provide the Blues with some dash out of defence? They've desperately lacked speed off half-back and Cutler has that. He's played only three games for the Lions this year and fits the age profile.

Top-30 draft pick: The Blues have given the Crows their first pick and the Giants their second. Although they have Adelaide's opening pick (currently No.12), they'll have a gap between that and their next (currently No.37). Another top-30 selection would be handy. 

On the table

Matthew Kreuzer: It seems unlikely, but Kreuzer would be Carlton's most valuable trade chip if it wants to get back into the draft. He's uncontracted beyond this year and the club has capable deputies in Andrew Phillips and Matthew Lobbe in reserve.

Jack Silvagni: After a rough start to the season, Silvagni has recently reclaimed his place in Carlton's side. But could he still find suitors at the end of the year? He's a good size and has natural talent, which could endear itself to a rival team.

Levi Casboult: The Blues tested the waters unsuccessfully in attempting to trade Casboult last year, but could try again midway through the current campaign. He's shown glimpses that he could be turned into a capable intercept defender with his marking abilities.

A popular and valuable player, but would Matthew Kreuzer be worth more in a trade? Picture: AFL Photos

Collingwood

Trade targets 

Robbie Tarrant: North Melbourne's veteran key backman would immediately help spearhead a premiership tilt at the club where older brother Chris made his name. The 30-year-old won't have that chance with the rebuilding Roos. A priority given Darcy Moore's injury issues.

Cale Hooker: The strong-marking Essendon veteran could also be gettable with the potential for a flag, which seems a way off at Bomberland.

Adam Tomlinson: The free agent is weighing up a return to Victoria at season's end and, although the Giants are in the premiership window themselves, they could be swayed by the prospect of gaining more for the key defender via a trade than free agency compensation.

Adam Tomlinson's endurance and versatility makes him an attractive prospect. Picture: AFL Photos

On the table  

Draft picks: The Pies are well-endowed with young, developing talent so they could package up a combination of picks to shore up their greatest area of need in defence.

Matt Scharenberg: The injury-prone South Australian defender was terrific last year before undergoing his third knee reconstruction. Available to play now. A risk worth taking for North at least.

Brayden Sier: A talented prospect as an inside midfield bull, Sier was part of the Pies' run to the Grand Final last year but is yet to play a game this season after suffering a few niggles and producing some so-so VFL form. Close to an AFL game.

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Essendon

Trade targets 

Brayden Sier: A big-bodied midfielder that has been squeezed out of Collingwood's on-ball unit. Essendon needs more muscle around the ball and Sier has shown he can provide the grunt work.

Aiden Bonar: Another inside midfielder with power and strength. His size makes him appealing for all clubs, and then you add his athleticism. Contracted long term, but can't break into the Giants' talented side.

First-round draft pick: Essendon has traded out of three successive first rounds of the draft. If it could somehow acquire a first-round pick, that would help balance the talent on the list.

On the table  

Aaron Francis: Francis looked set to take the footy world by storm this year after an exciting finish to 2018, but it hasn't played out that way. Very talented but is best used as a defender.

Jayden Laverde: Laverde has ability but injuries have gotten in the way. When Essendon's forward line is fit, he will struggle to break into its first-choice line-up. Had a few fans last time he fell out of contract.

Cale Hooker: If the Bombers genuinely want to restock with draft picks, Hooker could attract something of value. Although 30, he is still an excellent key defender and intercept marker and would add to a premiership contender's back half.


Fremantle

Trade targets 

Callum Ah Chee: Was the No.8 pick in 2015 but hasn't added to his 44 games this year and the tough and skilled utility could be a valuable acquisition if he wants to come home.

Neville Jetta: It's a bit left-field considering he is out injured for another two months and turns 30 in February, but Melbourne's gun small defender might see Fremantle as a chance to come home for the prospect of finals later this season and in years ahead.

Jack Martin: The out-of-contract Sun is more likely to move to Melbourne than return to WA, but Martin has unique talents and would be worth looking at for the right price.

On the table  

Mitch Crowden: Played nine games in his debut season but yet to have a look in this year and the South Australian midfielder might get more opportunities elsewhere.

Ed Langdon: The dashing wingman has put contract talks on hold and, if Fremantle believes Langdon is headed home to Victoria at season's end, there could be a scenario where cashing in sooner has a bigger pay off. 

Lloyd Meek: Teams desperate for a ruckman could be willing to offer over the odds for the developing 21-year-old Victorian, who is seemingly stuck behind four others – albeit only two are currently fit - in the pecking order.

Geelong Cats

Trade targets 

Jarrod Brander: Surplus to West Coast's immediate needs, the 20-year-old swingman could play third tall in attack or defender at Geelong. Bendigo local who boarded at Geelong Grammar.

Sean Darcy: Can't get a game at Fremantle behind Rory Lobb and hails from 120km down the road at Cobden. While the Cats have four genuine rucks now, at 20, Darcy is at least five years younger than all of them.

Darcy Parish: First it was Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan, now could this Essendon dasher become the next Geelong Falcons product to be targeted by the Cats? Out of contract this year and appearing unlikely to feature in finals, would add a different dimension to an ageing Geelong midfield.

Could Darcy Parish return to his Geelong roots? Picture: AFL Photos

On the table  

Wylie Buzza: Set to fall out of contract this October, the Queenslander has been unable to get a glimpse of senior action. Proven contested mark, can also provide a chop-out in the ruck.

James Parsons: Re-invented himself as an inside midfielder after his first three seasons as a forward. Returned for his first game of the season on the weekend but remains out of Geelong's best 22.  

Zac Smith: Last month in the VFL has proven he still has plenty to offer but remains stuck behind Rhys Stanley, Darcy Fort and Ryan Abbott. Out of contract at season's end, the 29-year-old would be pushing for selection at Richmond or Essendon. - Mitch Cleary

Gold Coast Suns

Trade targets 

Jarryd Roughead: The youngest list in the competition could benefit from the four-time premiership forward's wisdom. Look at what Luke Hodge has done at Brisbane.

Jordan Gallucci: The Suns need some speed in their midfield mix and the 21-year-old from Adelaide would complement the inside brigade nicely.

First-round pick: This rebuild still needs a lot of work. The Suns already have two first-round picks and a third would be ideal to either use as trade bait or another top-end selection.

On the table

Sam Day: The key forward seems to be on the outer and moving him would be a win-win. Day, 26, is good enough to play at the top level, but the Suns are keen to play their youth.

Tom Nicholls: Similar to Day, Nicholls is still in the prime of his career at 26. He's stuck behind co-captain Jarrod Witts though and could be handy for a finals-bound club looking for a ruckman.

Will Brodie: A former top-10 draft pick and terrific contested ball winner, Brodie is behind David Swallow, Touk Miller, Anthony Miles and others on-ball. His upside is immense.

Inside midfielder Will Brodie has struggled for opportunity at the Suns. Picture: AFL Photos

GWS Giants

Trade targets 

Dan Butler: Out of favour at Richmond, the premiership forward has the speed the Giants' list needs and is just shy of his 23rd birthday.

Zak Jones: The Swans midfielder would be a perfect addition to a GWS team which lacks midfield pace, and he also has the ability to play across half back.

First round draft pick: Despite already having some high picks as a result of last year's trade-period deal involving Dylan Shiel, you can never have too many, especially in the era of live trading.

On the table  

Jon Patton: It's unclear where Patton fits into the Giants' best team once he returns from his knee injury, but he'd be the number one forward at a lot of clubs, which would be enticing for him. Clubs craving a power forward would give up a decent draft pick or two for the big man.

Matt Buntine: The medium defender has played some quality footy across his career but can't cement a spot in the team. Would get more opportunities elsewhere.

Matt Flynn: The promising ruckman is in his fourth season and hasn't played a senior game. Stuck behind Shane Mumford and Dawson Simpson, he's learning plenty but not getting a chance to show his talents.

There's no doubt Jon Patton would spark interest from other clubs. Picture: AFL Photos


Hawthorn

Trade targets

Jonathon Patton: The whispers linking Patton to the Hawks have already begun – and for good reason. The Hawks are eyeing a key forward and the former No.1 pick might be the best available at season's end. He's contracted with the Giants until 2020.

Hugh Greenwood: The Hawks have laid the foundations for a quality midfield, with Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O'Meara arriving via trade. However, they need depth. Greenwood, a player who wins his own footy, would be a good complementary player alongside them.

Brennan Cox: With gaping key position voids that need to be filled both forward and back, Cox is a player who can help the Hawks at either end of the field. He's versatile, still young and has played just four games this year. Could he be prised out of the Dockers?

On the table

Jarryd Roughead: The Hawks have a track record of trading their ageing stars. Would they look to see if there is a market for Roughead if there was a mid-season trade period? A club in a premiership window, or requiring veteran help, would certainly be interested.

First-round draft pick: In a similar vein, the Hawks have shown they're not afraid to trade their first pick (currently No.10). Could parting with this selection help in potential trades for Patton or fellow Giants star Stephen Coniglio? The Hawks are keen on both.

Marc Pittonet: The Hawks are well stocked for rucks, given the form of Ben McEvoy and Jonathon Ceglar. Could that create a market for Pittonet? He's played just one game this season, with a lot of AFL clubs in desperate need of an experienced big man.

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Melbourne

Trade targets 

Ed Langdon: A line-breaking runner would complement Melbourne's healthy collection of inside midfielders and has previously been targeted by the Demons.

Travis Varcoe: Small forward Jeff Garlett has been down on form, meaning there's a hole to fill. The 31-year-old Magpie has spent time in the VFL but is still an excellent crumber and would slot into Melbourne's side. Age might be a worry though.

Brandon White: The St Kilda defender has a beautiful left boot, is hard and has consistently been among Sandringham's best players this season. He could bolster a back six decimated by injury. 

On the table  

Alex Neal-Bullen: An endurance machine, Neal-Bullen established himself in the best side last year but hasn't quite backed up his form.

Sam Frost: With Steven May (groin) and Jake Lever (left knee) among the backmen set to return soon, an opposition club might want to add the athletic 25-year-old defender to its list.

First-round pick: The Dees' list is in pretty good shape. They're not performing but they've been smashed by injuries. There could be value in giving up a pick that sits at No.3 to bolster their flag aspirations beyond 2019. - Dinny Navaratnam

North Melbourne

Trade targets

Brennan Cox (Fremantle): Capable of filling a key-position post at either end and his contested marking is a strong feature of his game, but he is down the pecking order at Fremantle.

Ben Ronke (Sydney): Fallen out of favour after catapulting onto the AFL scene with seven and five-goal hauls last year. Brings the heat, too, so would fit in well at the Roos.

Lewis Taylor (Brisbane): Has speed in abundance and is effective as a forward or on the wing, but has lost his senior-regular status this season and may see a better opportunity elsewhere. 

On the table

Todd Goldstein: The 2015 All Australian would still have some currency at a ruck-needy club, so moving 'Goldy' on – as he prepares to turn 31 – might make sense with the Roos looking to the future.

Mason Wood: Prodigiously talented forward but inconsistent and injury prone. Wood would appeal to rival teams, given the impressive glimpses he has shown of his top-end ability, and another club might get the best out of him.

Shaun Atley: Semi-regularly moved into different positions on the ground and has probably never quite reached his potential despite being a solid contributor across 186 games. His line-breaking ability could have him in demand. - Marc McGowan

Port Adelaide

Trade targets 

Dan Butler: The crafty Richmond small forward has been stuck in the VFL for the past few weeks and might need a new environment. Still only 22, Butler has plenty of upside and is out of contract.

Levi Casboult: The Carlton forward would be a short-term solution with Charlie Dixon still a few weeks away from returning. Casboult, 29, isn't a part of the Blues' long-term future so they'd be willing to move him on for a late draft pick.

George Hewett: Having a great season with the Swans so it would be difficult to prize the 23-year-old South Australian out of the Harbour City. Is contracted until 2020. The Power have older brother Cam Hewett on their books as a rookie.

On the table  

Karl Amon: The 23-year-old midfielder wanted to return to Victoria during last year's trade period before remaining at the Power for the final year of his contract. A new environment might be just what he needs.

Riley Bonner: Could be surplus to requirements with the return of Matthew Broadbent and Hamish Hartlett, while Jack Watts has looked promising in defence. The 22-year-old defender has shown enough in his 30 games to suggest he could command a decent return.

Sam Gray: Has enjoyed a decent season, with 12 goals in eight games and averaging 19 disposals, but the 27-year-old small forward isn't in the Power's best 22 when everyone is healthy. Would be a handy pick-up for plenty of sides. - Lee Gaskin

Richmond

Trade targets 

Brayden Sier: The Magpies' big-bodied inside midfielder is yet to play a game at AFL level this year but played 12 (including finals) in 2018. Will add depth to an area hit badly by injuries.

Jack Gunston: With depth being tested at both ends of the ground, a genuine classy swingman could be the icing on the cake. The Hawks are still no finals certainties, either.

Lachie Henderson: Out for one more week with a plantar fascia injury, but not in Geelong's best 22 regardless. Richmond's key back stocks have looked wobbly at times this year, and Henderson is experienced on the big stage.

On the table  

Jacob Townsend: A proven player with good form in finals, Townsend can play either midfield or forward. Not in Richmond's best 22 and was re-drafted as a rookie.

Dan Butler: May be looking for opportunities elsewhere after falling out of favour. A classy premiership forward who knows where the goals are. Has also been playing a bit of midfield in the VFL.

Jack Graham: A somewhat controversial call given his Grand Final exploits but was out of the best 22 before his hamstring injury. Now fully fit, he is capable of playing as an inside mid, half-forward or even across half-back. - Sarah Black

FULL INJURY LIST Who's ruled out and who's a test?

St Kilda

Trade targets 

Bryce Gibbs: Delivery into attack has been problematic for the Saints. Meanwhile, Adelaide has an awesome ball user languishing in the SANFL. If the former Blue was willing to leave his home state, this move would make sense.

Aaron Hall: Similar to Gibbs in that he has impressive foot skills but he offers pace as well, a trait St Kilda could use through the middle.

Second-round pick: Trades, including that for Dan Hannebery, have left the club with no selections between the first and fourth rounds. They will want to bolster their stocks.

On the table  

Luke Dunstan: The hard nut is going well at the moment, so the idea would be to sell him high. When Hannebery is ready for the AFL, he might push the South Australian out of the side, so a move could make sense for both parties.

Nick Coffield: St Kilda wouldn't want to lose him but Coffield, drafted at No.8 in 2017, must be frustrated at not having had a chance to play yet this year. Rival clubs would be interested, although he is contracted until the end of 2021.

Brandon White: A great kick, good defensively, just months remaining on his contract and stuck in the VFL. it must be a frustrating situation for White, who has the ability to play at the elite level. Going elsewhere might create an opportunity. - Dinny Navaratnam

Will Nick Coffield seek a new club after a frustrating start to 2019? Picture: AFL Photos

Sydney Swans

Trade targets 

Rory Atkins: The Adelaide wingman has great speed and endurance, and always seems to find the goals, a valuable asset for a midfielder.

Brayden Sier: Played all four of Collingwood's finals last year but hasn't been seen in 2019. A big-bodied midfielder the Swans need to help Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker.

Lewis Young: The young Bulldog has struggled for opportunities at senior level and would add more depth to the Swans' key defensive stocks following the retirement of Heath Grundy.

On the table

Ben Ronke: The small forward has fallen out of form and favour after his 24-goal debut season last year. A quick pressure forward with goal sense would be attractive to a lot of clubs.

Darcy Cameron: The mature-aged ruckman has dominated the NEAFL over the past three seasons but has only played one senior game. Looks ready to play at a club needing a mobile big man.

James Rose: Played nine games in five seasons so would be better off at another club. A smart small forward with good skills who can also play further up the ground.

Ben Ronke's seven-goal haul against the Hawks feels a distant memory. Picture: AFL Photos


West Coast Eagles

Trade targets 

Callum Ah Chee: Older brother Brendon is already at the club, and West Coast might be able to persuade the former No.8 draft pick to leave the Suns and add another talented type to Adam Simpson's highly skilled squad.

Cale Hooker: With Tom Barrass sidelined for another two months, the Eagles could be in trouble if they lose another key defender. Hooker, turning 31 in October, might view a return home from Essendon as the chance to pinch a flag.

Jack Martin: He can frustrate at times, but the Gold Coast star oozes talent and might relish the prospect of playing for a finals-bound side with strong September prospects in years to come.

Would Callum Ah Chee consider a WA homecoming? Picture: AFL Photos

On the table  

Matthew Allen: Has been close to a debut several times, but the South Australian mid-forward just can't crack a game and might find more opportunities elsewhere.

Kurt Mutimer: Managed four games in 2017 but unsighted since and out-of-contract this year, the left-footed Victorian onballer would be an ideal candidate to look for a chance to impress elsewhere.

Jackson Nelson: The 23-year-old played his first game in nearly a year against Adelaide last round and could be part of the Eagles backline long-term, but regular spots are unlikely to open up soon.

Western Bulldogs

Trade targets

Brennan Cox: Luke Beveridge publicly confirmed the Western Bulldogs' need for another tall forward and with a surplus at Fremantle, Cox is a suitable target. The 20-year-old has undoubted talent and his best ahead of him.

Isaac Smith: The 30-year-old Hawthorn midfielder is highly regarded at the Bulldogs according to recent reports in The Age. They could make a play for the three-time premiership player and add one of the League's elite running ball-users.

Josh Jenkins: In the short term, Jenkins could fill a void. He is 30, but if the price to pay is within reason, you could do worse than a forward that boasts five straight seasons of 40 or more goals. 

On the table 

Second-round pick: Ladder position dictates much of this part of the discussion. If the Bulldogs finished in their current 13th-placed standing, a second pick and perhaps a later selection could be used to lure the likes of contracted Cox.

Fletcher Roberts: The key defender turns 26 on Monday and hasn't bedded down a spot for multiple seasons. He played 18 games in the 2016 premiership side, but only 14 games since, and the upgrading of soon-to-be debutant Ryan Gardner from Footscray might force the free agent into making a move.

Josh Schache: It might seem illogical to offer a key forward, which is the player the Bulldogs need. However, the 21-year-old was dropped prior to round five and hasn't been in the picture since. Is he part of their plans?

Could Josh Schache be on the table after just two seasons at the Bulldogs? Picture: AFL Photos