WITH Gillette Trade Period set to begin next Monday, three days after free agency talks can officially start, where does your club stand? AFL.com.au reporters take a look.
ADELAIDEThe Crows enter this year's trade period in a tricky position – needing players to complement their list, but having no quality draft picks to offer in return.
Despite not making a trade during last year's period, Adelaide became one of the biggest stories of 2012 when Kurt Tippett effectively walked for nothing to the Swans.
Not only did they lose a key forward, but the Crows also lost draft picks as a result of breaching the league's draft and salary cap rules.
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After the highs of Brenton Sanderson's first year in charge, the Crows came back to earth with a thud in 2013.
With no Tippett and the season-ending ACL injury to Taylor Walker, the forward line didn't quite stack up, while Adelaide also appeared shy of some midfield class.
With that in mind, they have some decisions to make ahead of this exchange period.
Eddie Betts is almost certain to leave Carlton and has been linked to the Crows, and the 26-year-old small forward would not only add some polish, but come at the right price as he's a free agent.
Homesick Brisbane Lion Jared Polec is another who seems a perfect fit for the Crows. The former No.5 pick has been dogged by injuries in his three seasons in Brisbane, but is young, has speed and a good left boot.
The Crows will have to ward off crosstown rivals Port Adelaide for his services, which means Polec may come at a cost.
Versatile defender Ricky Henderson is one player who has recently emerged as trade bait. Despite being contracted until the end of 2015, it is understood he would be prepared to move back to Victoria.
With no quality draft picks to give away, they may have to look a more experienced midfielder to give up. - Michael Whiting
BRISBANE LIONS
They proved to be active players last season, and watch for them to do so again. Although it's unclear exactly what new coach Justin Leppitsch wants at this stage, he has noted holes in the Lions' list that need addressing.
Last year they got Melbourne duo Brent Moloney (free agency) to help a deficiency in clearances and Stefan Martin (trade) to help the big man stocks. Moloney was a success, while Martin was hampered by injury and form and struggled for much of the season.
The Lions also chased Kurt Tippett, Chris Dawes and the rights to select teenager Jesse Hogan and you can bet again they'll throw whatever they can at getting a sidekick for Jonathan Brown.
There's not much in the marketplace in terms of power forwards though, so unless the Lions want to again trawl for options like Richmond's Luke McGuane and Swan Jesse White, they might not get what they're looking for.
Of more importance is either keeping their want-away youngsters – Jared Polec and Patrick Karnezis are lost causes, while Elliot Yeo, Billy Longer and Sam Docherty are seen as retainable – or at least earning something decent via a trade if the Lions can't keep them.
The Hawks have shown interested in luring promising ruckman Longer, but it's unclear what the minor premiers would be willing to give up for the 2011 No.8 draft pick.
It's hard to see clubs parting with anything much more than second and third-round picks for these players, but the Lions will hunt for big men and could also do with another midfielder or two. - MW
Young Lions ruckman Billy Longer is likely to be hotly pursued by rival clubs. Picture: AFL Media
CARLTON
The Blues are certain to be more aggressive thisoff-season than last year, when the only transaction they undertook was totrade utility JordanRussell to Collingwood for pick 71.
Their No. 1 target is Collingwood premiership player Dale Thomas, who will reportedly be offered a five-year deal worth morethan $3 million if his troublesome ankle passes medical screenings.
Restricted free agent Eddie Betts has beenlinked to both North Melbourne and Adelaide. Although the Blues want to keep thegoalsneak, losing him would relieve salary cap pressure in their quest to landThomas.
Carlton's major weakness has been its key-forwardstructure, and it would dearly love to manufacture a trade to snare the No. 1pick from Greater Western Sydney to land Tom Boyd.
To this end, they could also be in the runningfor Essendon's opportunity-starved Scott Gumbleton and even former Hawk Mitch Thorp, who this season dominated the Tasmanian state league. Brisbane Lion BrentStaker is another mobile option who has been spotted at Visy Park.
The Blues have also been linked to NorthMelbourne defender Luke Delaney, Brisbane Lions youngster Sam Docherty and Giants pair Taylor Adams and Josh Bruce.
Malthouse regards Matthew Kreuzer and BryceGibbs are untouchable, while the inconsistent Chris Yarran is also likely tostay.
With Kreuzer and Matthew Warnock the preferredrucks, Shaun Hampson appears surplus to requirements.
Nick Duigan, who was banished to the VFL beforemaking a finals cameo, could also be on the move.
Jeremy Laidler has already announced he islooking for a new home. - Ben Collins
COLLINGWOODIt will be another busy post-season period forthe Pies.
Restricted free agent Dale Thomas appears likely to join Carlton, pending the outcome of medical examinations on hisankle. This would probably result in the Magpies receiving a first-round draftpick as compensation.
Fellow premiership player Heath Shaw is alsoexpected to leave the club after a mutual decision to explore trade optionsfollowing his undisciplined display in the elimination final loss to PortAdelaide. Reportedly among the suitors are Greater Western Sydney, Geelong,Richmond and Melbourne.
In return, Sydney Swans key forward JesseWhite has declared his desire to be traded to the Pies, who are also believedto be interested in his teammate, ruckman Shane Mumford.
Lion Patrick Karnezis and Giants onballer TaylorAdams are also reported to be on the Pies' radar.
Last year the Magpies were roundly lauded for securingWest Coast veteran Quinten Lynch, classy Hawthorn runner Clinton Young andCarlton utility Jordan Russell. But Lynch struggled, Young endured a horrorseason with injury and Russell was delisted.
The Pies last year had traded Sharrod Wellingham to West Coast for pick 18, which they used to claimpotential ruck star Brodie Grundy; they exchanged Chris Dawes and pick 63 to Melbournefor picks 20 (Tim Broomhead) and 45; and sent Tom Young to theBulldogs for pick 71. - BC
It will be interesting to see if any Bombersrequest a trade as a direct consequence of the player welfare issues raisedduring the supplements scandal that engulfed the club.
Losing their first two picks in the draft alsohampers the club's efforts to secure high-end talent.
They already appear set to lose forward Stewart Crameri, who has told the club he wants to be traded to the Western Bulldogs ona deal believed to be worth $1.8 million over four years. In any case, theBombers would want more than the pick 22 that will be offered by the Dogs.
Essendon is interested in Bulldogs speedsterJason Johannisen, who could become part of a deal for Crameri.
The Bombers forward Scott Gumbleton, who hasstruggled to get a game because of an abundance of key forward options, hasagain attracted the interest of several clubs.
Defender Tayte Pears remains unsigned and is alsocertain to be sounded out.
St Kilda is reportedly courting David Myerswith the promise of a more permanent midfield role, while Essendon could emergeas a new home for Saints veteran Nick Dal Santo.
The Bombers are also sounding out BrisbaneLions youngster Sam Docherty and Giant Taylor Adams.
Last year Essendon snared Dal Santo's longtimeteammate Brendon Goddard, who was a restricted free agent, while they tradedAngus Monfries to Port Adelaide in exchange for pick 48. - BC
FREMANTLEGiven that they could easily have won thepremiership had they finished off their work better in front of goal and they appearto have a list that could enjoy a sustained run near the top, the Dockers areexpected to be relatively quiet during the trade and free agency period.
Injury-plagued midfielder Viv Michie reportedlywants to return home to Victoria after failing to break into the Dockers strongmidfield. St Kilda is expected to be a suitor.
Essendon forward Scott Gumbleton, aWest Australian, could appeal to Freo as a third marking option to relievepressure from veteran skipper Matthew Pavlich and the undersized Chris Mayne.
Another local product, Carlton speedster ChrisYarran, might also come to Freo's attention.
Last year Freo welcomed former Port free agentDanyle Pearce, farewelled delisted free agent Nick Lower and traded Greg Broughton and pick 60 to Gold Coast for pick 37 (Tanner Smith). - BC
GEELONG
Geelong was a significant trade player for the first time innearly a decade last season, bringing in a trio of experienced players. Tradingfor then 20-year-old Gold Coast midfielder Josh Caddy was in keeping with theCats' recent youth-based recruiting, but North Melbourne ruckman HamishMcIntosh and Melbourne free agent Jared Rivers were brought in to addressspecific needs immediately.
Injury has so far prevented McIntosh from filling the ruck voidthat has lingered since Brad Ottens' retirement at the end of 2011, whileRivers, brought in help to replace Matthew Scarlett in defence, has alsostruggled with his body, playing just 10 games this season.
The Cats find themselves at the crossroads this year. Their ageinglist was still good enough to take them within a kick of the Grand Final, butthey face tough decisions on veterans Paul Chapman and Joel Corey (free agents) and James Podsiadly (out of contract), after having already delisted tough defender Josh Hunt on Monday.
At least three of those four are unlikely to be at the Catterynext season, which would allow the Geelong to give more game time to emergingplayers such as Taylor Hunt, George Burbury, George Horlin-Smith, JordanMurdoch, Billie Smedts and Shane Kersten.
Ruck revelation Mark Blicavs is almost certain to be elevated ontothe Cats' senior list too.
Given their premiership window remains open, the Cats could againbe active trade players this October and have already been linked with out-of-contractGWS midfielder Taylor Adams, starCollingwood half-back Heath Shaw andNorth Melbourne key defender LukeDelaney, who would allow Harry Taylor to spend more time up forward.
Depending on Geelong's assessment of McIntosh's body, it couldalso be tempted to make a play for another ruckman, with Carlton's Shaun Hampson a possible target. - Nick Bowen
Delisted Cat Josh Hunt is keen to revive his career at another club. Image: AFL Media
GOLD COASTAfter three seasons of building, chopping and changing, the Suns seem quite content with their list.
Initially they went with youth sprinkled with some uncontracted, seasoned veterans.
As the quality youth developed, they had to cull the list, and along the way decided to add some more experience.
Despite losing Josh Caddy (Geelong) and Tom Hickey (St Kilda) who wanted to move to Melbourne last year, Gold Coast bolstered its defensive stocks with some hard heads. Greg Broughton came from Fremantle to shore up a small defender's spot, while Tom Murphy came via free agency from the Hawks to help the tall stocks.
Having delisted five players and seen Jared Brennan retire, the Suns already have their list at the right size with the looming draft and seem content to take a back seat during the free agency and trade periods.
Coach Guy McKenna has suggested he'd like one more experienced rebounding half-back to add to the mix.
The name that springs to mind is Magpie Heath Shaw, who is open to offers for a move.
McKenna worked with him at Collingwood but has been non-committal when asked on his intentions to make a play for the 27-year-old.
"He certainly can play the game. He's an acquisition to your defence. We could throw up six or eight different names and we'd have to move someone out," he said.
If they can't get a quality defender, don't expect much from the Suns who will already welcome Jack Martin and three top-25 picks next year. - MW
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Last year, Greater Western Sydney focused on snaring as manygilt-edged draft picks as possible, with their only trade bringing injourneyman Hawthorn defender Stephen Gilham.
This year, however, the Giants are looking to land a farbigger fish, perhaps the biggest fish in the competition – Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin.
GWS's pursuit of Franklin has been played out in the mediamost of this season, with the 26-year-old spearhead likely to make a decisionsoon now that Hawthorn's season is over.
A key forward is not the Giants' most pressing need giventhey already boast All-Australian full-forward Jeremy Cameron, 2011 No.1 draftpick Jonathon Patton and are widely tipped to take another potential superstar forward,Tom Boyd, with this year's No. 1pick.
However, Franklin is being courted as much for his massiveprofile as his football ability, with the Giants confident he could converthordes of 'non-believers' to the AFL in western Sydney's rugby heartland.
The Giants look likely to lose at least two out-of-contractyoungsters this October, with midfielder TaylorAdams seeking a move home to Victoria and key defender Josh Bruce likely to move in search of greater opportunity.
Adams and, to a lesser extent, Bruce have attractedsignificant interest, so the Giants could attempt to play clubs off againsteach other to ensure they get the best possible return.
Given the departures of veterans Chad Cornes, Dean Brogan,Bret Thornton and Setanta O’hAilpin at the end of this season, GWS is likely totarget experienced opposition players, but has already failed in a bid toentice Essendon ruckman Tom Bellchambers and ruled itself out of the race forRichmond midfielder Dustin Martin. - NB
Young Giants midfielder Taylor Adams has been linked to various possible trades. Picture: AFL Media
HAWTHORNThe Hawks were among the big winners in last year's trade period,securing the signature of star Western Bulldogs full-back Brian Lake, who cappedan excellent season with the Norm Smith Medal in Hawthorn's Grand Final winover Fremantle.
Hawthorn also secured Geelong rookie Jonathan Simpkin (delistedfree agent), who came into the GrandFinal team after Brendan Whitecross was ruled out with a serious knee injury,while Matt Spangher (Sydney Swans) and Jed Anderson (a Northern Territory zoneselection traded by GWS) were valuable depth players throughout the season.
The Hawks could be major players again this year if star forward Lance Franklin accepts an offer fromGreater Western Sydney reported to be worth up to $9 million over six seasons.
Franklin's departure would free up significant salary cap room forthe Hawks to launch their own raids on opposition stars.
Collingwood free agent DaleThomas has been linked to the Hawks, if not as strongly as to Carlton andhis former coach Mick Malthouse, while they are also chasing a ruckman, without-of-contract Brisbane Lions youngster BillyLonger their chief target.
GWS midfielder Taylor Adamsis another player on Hawthorn's radar and would be a perfect fit as the Hawksprepare for life without Sam Mitchell and Brad Sewell in the next few years.But the Hawks might struggle to snare Adams, with the host of other interestedVictorian clubs armed with earlier draft picks to dangle in front of theGiants. - NB
MELBOURNENew Melbourne coach Paul Roos has signalled the Demons will againbe aggressive this trade period, dangling the No. 2 draft pick in front of anyrival clubs prepared to make a serious bid.
Obviously, a club would need to throw up a star player or temptingpackage deal for the Demons to bite, but reports have said star Collingwood half-back Heath Shaw could be partof a potential trade.
Shaw would give Melbourne a much-needed boost in class, butthe area the Demons are hell bent on addressing this October is their midfield.
Having already re-signed Jack Watts with the intention ofusing him at times through the midfield, convincing unrestricted free agent Colin Sylvia to stay will now be highon Roos' agenda.
Greater Western Sydney youngster Taylor Adams, the No.13 pick in the 2011, is high on the Demons'wish list, but the 20-year-old has been heavily courted by a host of Victorianclubs, with Collingwood and Richmond understood to be leading the race for hissignature.
Recently delisted Western Bulldog Daniel Cross has been linked to the Demons and could support JackViney, Jimmy Toumpas and co as they continue to find their feet at AFL level.Hawthorn free agent Xavier Ellis hashad his injury problems in recent seasons but could appeal, as could out-of-favourNorth Melbourne midfielder LeviGreenwood, and the recently delisted TomLedger (St Kilda) and Nick Lower(Western Bulldogs).
Of course, the biggest recruit the Demons will welcome nextseason was secured in last year's GWS mini-draft – powerhouse young forwardJesse Hogan. - NB
NORTH MELBOURNEAfter years of patiently building its list through youth atthe draft, North Melbourne could be one of this year's key trade players,having already set its sights on St Kilda midfielder Nick Dal Santo and Carlton free agent Eddie Betts.
North is favoured to snare Dal Santo if the Saints agree totrade him, but Adelaide is believed to have the inside running on the Bluessmall forward.
The Roos' list is well balanced with no glaring weaknesses,but Dal Santo would add a much-needed touch of class through the midfield,while Betts would form a dangerous forward-line partnership with LindsayThomas.
Key defender Luke Delaney has asked for a trade and, with St Kilda leading a group of suitorsthat includes Carlton, the Brisbane Lions and Geelong, could be part of a packagedeal for Dal Santo.
The Roos also recently met with Brisbane Lion Sam Docherty, but the running defenderhas yet to commit to a move back to Victoria and has also spoken to Carlton,Essendon and the Western Bulldogs.
GWS key defender JoshBruce is another player North has expressed an interest in but, again, theRoos face considerable competition, with St Kilda believed to be the Giants'preferred destination.
Besides the Roos have already pulled off their biggest coup,convincing emerging forward Aaron Black to turn his back on an enticing offerfrom Fremantle and re-sign to the end of 2017.
North could field inquiries from opposition clubs forout-of-favour midfielder Levi Greenwoodduring the trade period, with the hard-at-it Roo likely to appeal to clubshoping to add grunt to their on-ball division. - NB
Eddie Betts looks set to leave Carlton, with North and Adelaide among his reported suitors. Picture: AFL Media
PORT ADELAIDE
Port had a successful 2012 trade period, snaring Angus Monfries (Essendon),Campbell Heath (Sydney Swans), Jake Neade (NT zone selection via GWS), JackHombsch (GWS) and Lewis Stevenson (West Coast).
More significantly, they had earlier convinced Travis Boak to turnhis back on a host of Victorian clubs trying to lure him home.
Under new coach Ken Hinkley, the Power showcased this year what anexciting young list they have.
However, they might look for another ruckman to support MatthewLobbe. South Australian Daniel Gorringe would have been an obvious target, but recentlyre-signed with Gold Coast, while Carlton's ShaunHampson is believed to be on the trade table and could appeal.
Hinkley has already declared Port's interest in homesick Brisbane Lion Jared Polec. The No. 5 pick inthe 2010 national draft battled injury and form at the Lions, but theleft-footer was a classy junior and could be a handy addition to the Power'semerging young midfield.
The Power are mindful that if John Butcher continues tostruggle with injury they might need another key forward to support Jay Schulz.However, Hinkley has indicated a preference to develop young talent through thedraft, so Port is more likely to go down this route than pursue a trade. - NB
RICHMONDAfter making significant strides this season, the Tigers probably don't need too much to round out their list for a top-four push in 2014.
Last year they proved that quality over quantity was the way to go during the trade and free agency periods, with the additions of Troy Chaplin and Aaron Edwards proving more than worthwhile.
This time around they're in the market for another ruckman to ease the workload on Ivan Maric and maybe another midfielder to help with depth.
Like many clubs, the Tigers have been linked to Greater Western Sydney's Taylor Adams, but with Dustin Martin re-signing for two years on Monday we will have to see if they pursue the gritty midfielder.
Brisbane Lion Billy Longer's future is still in limbo, and the 20-year-old ruckman has also been mentioned in conjunction with the Tigers.
If they can't lure Longer or another ruckman, Richmond appears happy to settle on another season with Orren Stephenson, although he's more of a back-up to Maric than a genuine second option.
Versatile free agent Luke McGuane might be looking for another home after Edwards took his spot in the forward line late in the year, while small forward Robin Nahas looms as trade bait.
Nahas went backwards in the pecking order this year, but at 25, should still have plenty of currency at the trade table. - MW
ST KILDA
The Saints are open for business.
They are rebuilding and could shed severallongtime servants in exchange for younger talent or high draft picks.
They have also signalled they would be willingto part with their first-round pick – No. 3 – but only if they receive anextraordinary offer.
Veteran midfielders Nick Dal Santo and LeighMontagna could be up for trade, along with defender Sam Fisher.
They desperately need key defenders, and unsuccessfullytried to get Collingwood back man Nathan Brown, after failing to lure hisbrother Mitch from West Coast last year.
Giants backman Josh Bruce is enthusiastic about a futurewith the Saints, while North Melbourne defender Luke Delaney is also on the radar. Fremantle midfielder Viv Michiemight also come into calculations.
Last year St Kilda lost restricted free agentBrendon Goddard to Essendon. As compensation it received pick 13, which it wrappedup with picks 37 and 57 to get Gold Coast ruckman Tom Hickey andpicks 24 (Nathan Wright) and 47.
The Saints also picked up Claremont forward Tom Lee, who was pre-listed by the Giants, and picks 25 and 46in exchange for its first selection at No. 12; along with Swans speedsterTrent Dennis-Lane for pick 47; ex-Eagle Jamie Cripps and pick 46 forselections 41 and 44; and former Dockers free agent Dylan Roberton. - BC
SYDNEY SWANSOver the years the Swans have proved the masters of the bargain pick-up, so despite having no obvious deficiencies, don't be surprised if they head to the trade table again.
Last year they pulled off the biggest coup of the off-season when landing former Crow Kurt Tippett in the pre-season draft.
This time around Jesse White wants out, and after his encouraging second half of the season, now holds some genuine currency.
White has been linked with a number of clubs including Collingwood. While running defender Heath Shaw appears a good fit with the Swans and he would relish playing alongside his brother Rhyce, the Swans have indicated they are not keen at this stage.
When the Swans are all fit and healthy – something that rarely happened in 2013 – there are no glaring weaknesses.
There could be a concern in the ruck, with Shane Mumford off contract and drawing interest elsewhere, and Mike Pyke turning 30 in March next year.
Behind them there is 203cm teenager Sam Naismith learning the trade in the reserves, but if Mumford goes, the Swans could be on the lookout for another seasoned ruck.
Following the retirements of Jude Bolton and Mitch Morton, and last year's trade of Trent Dennis-Lane, another small forward would also be handy.
Whatever happens, you can be assured the Swans will explore every option, and more than likely emerge from the period with a bargain buy and more depth on their list. - MW
Improved Swans forward Jesse White has requested a trade to Collingwood. Picture: AFL Media
WEST COAST
After a disappointing season that saw them head backwards in a hurry, the Eagles are in need of some fresh blood.
They were quite active last year with the biggest moves involving the departure of Quinten Lynch to Collingwood and the acquisition of Magpie Sharrod Wellingham.
Unfortunately for West Coast, they have a poor record of luring players unless they are West Australian natives.
Still without a coach, there's a chance the Eagles could be starting behind the eight-ball, but they're on the lookout for pace and skill.
One of the rare clubs in the league that is well stocked for key position players, they really need midfielders, running half-backs or forwards.
They will surely enquire about Carlton's Chris Yarran, who would be a perfect fit, although it appears the Blues are keen to keep him.
Brisbane Lion Elliot Yeo has expressed a desire to return to Western Australia and has toured the Eagles' facilities. His speed and rebound from the backline is just what they need.
If you've got speed and skill, you're on the West Coast shopping list, but it might be tricky to get many deals done. - MW
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs' prayers for a quality marking forwardappear to have been answered, with Essendon star Stewart Crameri telling theBombers of his intention to be traded to the Dogs for a reported $1.8 millionover four years.
The sticking point will be the Bombers' demandfor better compensation than the pick 22 the Bulldogs are likely to offer.
Dogs youngster Jason Johannisen could figurein the trade, with the Bombers keen to secure his services.
The Bulldogs have also shown further interestin Essendon forward Scott Gumbleton, who they tried to lure with a long-termdeal last year, and are keen on mobile Swans big man Jesse White.
Giantsyoungster Jonathon Patton could comeunder the Dogs' notice if the Giantsbecome top-heavy with key forwards in the event that they sign Lance Franklin and use the No. 1 pickon Tom Boyd.
They are also interested in disgruntledBrisbane Lions youngster Sam Docherty.
On the other side of the ledger, there is someinterest in rejuvenated and out-of-contract Bulldog Jarrad Grant. Midwaythrough the season his time at the Dogs appeared over, but he produced a strongfinish that has earned him a new one-year contract offer. He is reported to be seekinga two-year deal.
Free agent Dylan Addison also remains out ofcontract.
The Dogs showed their ingenuity last year whenthey traded Brian Lake and pick 28to Hawthorn for picks 22 and 44, which enabled them toclaim quality young players in draftee rover Nathan Hrovat and ex-Eaglesmidfielder Koby Stevens.
In the free agency period they also picked upformer Port and Freo player Nick Lower, who started well as the club's chieftagger but was ultimately delisted, and welcomed ex-Magpie Tom Young in exchange for pick 71. - BC
