ANDREW Gaff might not make a decision on his future until next week as he remains torn between re-signing with West Coast or crossing to North Melbourne.
It seemed for a moment on Wednesday that Gaff was close to making an announcement, with speculation he had told Eagles teammates he was going to accept North's mindboggling free agency offer.
However, that speculation amounted to nothing and it's understood Gaff continues to grapple with his decision.
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The midfielder is highly unlikely to address his future at the Eagles' best and fairest function on Friday night, with an announcement not expected until the weekend at the earliest.
North Melbourne is yet to receive an indication one way or the other whether the dual All Australian will accept their seven-year deal of more than $8 million.
When you consider all that Gaff has had on his plate recently – an eight-match suspension, his father's ill-health and missing out on the Eagles' premiership – it's understandable he is taking his time.
All the Roos and the Eagles can do is wait – and hope.
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Will Pies' big fish hunt cost them Langdon?
Collingwood set its recruiting sights high this year, targeting, among others, Gold Coast spearhead Tom Lynch and No.1 key defender Steven May.
The Magpies' aggressive approach was totally understandable, given its spine at both ends of the ground remained a weakness and Lynch and May represented readymade remedies.
However, in bidding for both Suns they were forced to delay contract discussions with some of their own players, including defender Tom Langdon.
This led Langdon to exploring his options at rival clubs. After his outstanding finish to the season, there has been significant interest, while it's understood the 24-year-old is open to moving interstate.
The Magpies have now got an offer in front of Langdon, which his manager, Scott Lucas, says he will consider.
But will it prove a case of too little too late?
May decision looming
Gold Coast defender Steven May's agent Alex McDonald told SEN on Wednesday his client had met with four Victorian clubs, understood to be Melbourne, Collingwood, Hawthorn and Essendon.
McDonald said May, who is contracted at the Suns for 2019, would make a decision on his future over the next week or so.
If, as expected, May requests a trade, his preferred new team won't find it easy to satisfy the Suns.
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Gold Coast knows it would be virtually assured of receiving an early first-round compensation pick if it waits to let May leave via free agency at the end of next season, so it will demand a hefty return to release him this Trade Period.
That's where the Demons preparedness to explore a trade for Jesse Hogan has them best-placed to broker a deal, especially if they are successful in their bid for two top-five picks.
Hogan has returned to Perth as he weighs up his football future.
With the lure of a long-term offer from Fremantle on the table, Hogan says he's yet to decide whether he will explore a move home.
Libba closing in on Dogs deal
With Tom Liberatore back from his post-season European holiday, talks between him and the Western Bulldogs will ramp up later in the week.
Having been sidelined since round one after undergoing his second knee reconstruction, Liberatore remains uncontracted.
But the Bulldogs are confident of re-signing the clearance specialist despite speculation he is on the radar of clubs outside Victoria, with talks between the club and Liberatore's manager, Tom Williams, understood to have been extremely positive.
Liberatore is one of three remaining Bulldogs free agents, with Luke Dahlhaus set to join Geelong and Jordan Roughead linked to a move to West Coast.
In other trade news:
- Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English won't be going anywhere in 2019. His agent Andrew McDougall has told AFL.com.au that reports of English seeking a move back to WA are "100 per cent false".
- Collingwood's out-of-contract midfielder Levi Greenwood has received an offer from the Pies with talks to ramp up in coming days.
- Adelaide list boss Justin Reid told NAB Trade Radio Richmond small forward Tyson Stengle had nominated the Crows as his club of choice for 2019.
- Gold Coast looks set to secure the services of highly-rated VFL forward Josh Corbett under the assistance package handed to the Suns and Carlton by the AFL Commission.
- A reported meeting between Jacob Townsend and St Kilda never occurred, according to the Richmond premiership player's manager, Scott Lucas of Phoenix Management. The out-of-contract Tiger is understood to be on Gold Coast's radar, however a new deal at Punt Rd remains a possibility.
- AFL.com.au revealed small forward Shai Bolton had re-signed with Richmond on a one-year deal.
- Gold Coast midfielder Aaron Hall's manager, James Pitcher, confirmed on Trade Radio his client would seek a trade to North Melbourne. It's believed the trade could be completed for North's fourth-round pick.
- Pitcher also confirmed AFL.com.au's story on Tuesday that Hawthorn and St Kilda had both inquired about his client, Port Adelaide wingman Karl Amon.
- Veteran defender Sam Wright re-signed with North Melbourne on a one-year deal despite generating interest from rival clubs.
- Brisbane free agent Ryan Lester will play on at the Gabba in 2019 after inking a new one-year contract.
