NAB AFL Draft selections: 10, 35, 53
Recent trade history: The Crows went a way towards changing their reputation as mere trade week onlookers last year, securing ex-Carlton ruckman Sam Jacobs and also former No.4 draft pick Richard Tambling from Richmond. Neil Craig wasn't fond of the exchange period, but new coach Brenton Sanderson will have little choice but to get involved with several players wanting out of West Lakes.
Likely strategy: With Jack Gunston (Hawthorn), Ivan Maric (Richmond) and Tony Armstrong (Sydney Swans) all requesting trades to rival clubs, Adelaide is shaping as a major player in the trade period. It's believed the club is demanding first-round picks for Gunston and Maric, while homesick Swan Byron Sumner could form part of the Armstrong trade. Kurt Tippett has also been linked to a return to Queensland, but Adelaide maintains he's a required player. If the Crows, who have already received a first-round compensation pick for losing Phil Davis to Greater Western Sydney, succeed in acquiring more early picks in exchange for Tippett, Gunston and Maric they would be well placed to have a shot at sought-after Western Australian Jaeger O'Meara in the 17-year-old 'mini-draft'.
BRISBANE LIONS
NAB AFL Draft selections: 8, 29 (priority pick), 30, 34, 52
Recent trade history: The Lions embarked on a much-publicised splurge in the 2009 trade period that netted Brendan Fevola, Brent Staker, Amon Buchanan, Xavier Clarke and Andrew Raines. On the whole it was a huge failure and would scare coach Michael Voss and his staff from making similar radical moves this time around. Last year Jared Brennan and Justin Sherman left the club in the same period.
Likely strategy: Although the Lions are likely to be quiet, they may have one change forced on them with Mitch Clark requesting to be moved to Fremantle. After investing six seasons in the ruckman/forward, Voss has indicated he will not give Clark up easily. However, if he does go, the Lions will be looking for a similarly gifted big man to fill the breach he and Brent Staker (out for 2012 recovering from a knee reconstruction) leave behind.
CARLTON
NAB AFL Draft selections: 22, 44, 62
Recent trade history: The Blues have been active traders under Brett Ratten with Chris Judd, Lachie Henderson, Robbie Warnock, Brock McLean, Jeremy Laidler and Andy Collins all arriving at the club in the past four years. With the coach's recent two-year contract extension, that approach is likely to remain unchanged, but the Blues aren't well-positioned to make major waves this time around.
Likely strategy: Ratten is on the record with his desire to lure an experienced tall forward to Visy Park, but he realises that's easier said than done - especially given the club's lack of bargaining chips. Carlton's first-round pick is way down the order, the club doesn't have any A-grade players who want out and Ratten doesn't appear inclined to move on any senior players of note. Jordan Russell fell out of the best 22 late in the year, but both parties are intent on getting back on the same page. The Blues would listen to offers for Brock McLean, but his currency is nothing like what it was when they sent pick 11 to Melbourne for him. Talk of a blockbuster trade for Brendon Goddard appears fanciful at best.
COLLINGWOOD
NAB AFL Draft selections: 25, 47, 65
Recent trade history: As was the case in 2009 when the Pies loaded up with Darren Jolly and Luke Ball, they scored again last year when they secured Chris Tarrant for picks 43 and 55, and Andrew Krakouer and Jonathon Ceglar - who were both pre-listed by Gold Coast - and picks 55, 78 and 95 for their first-round selection of 25. And, as happened with Jolly and Ball, both Tarrant and Krakouer played in the Grand Final and had significant seasons, especially the former who nailed down a spot in the backline after Nathan Brown's season-ending knee injury.
Likely strategy: It already sounds like the Pies have their hearts set on getting Irishman Marty Clarke back to the club after a two-year absence in a similar deal to the Krakouer-Ceglar one with newest club Greater Western Sydney. Apart from that, it's hard to see the Pies really loading up in the trade period, although there is bound to be interest in players such as Tyson Goldsack, Brent Macaffer and John McCarthy, who were all at times victims of the deep-running Collingwood list in 2011.
ESSENDON
NAB AFL Draft selections: 19, 41, 59
Recent trade history: In James Hird's first trade week in charge of the club last year, Essendon did not participate in any trade activity. The Bombers are usually minimal players in the week, but did have a big involvement in 2009, when they lost Andrew Lovett to St Kilda for pick 16 but then used that selection to secure Mark Williams from Hawthorn and a second-round pick in a complicated four-way trade to help land Shaun Burgoyne at the Hawks.
Likely strategy: The Bombers are again unlikely to play a major role in the week. With the majority of the list already contracted for 2012 (including Travis Colyer, as announced at the club's best and fairest count), the Bombers may be keen to upgrade one of their draft picks, but will not provide much of the interest in the week unless the opportunity to chase a classy midfielder opens up.
FREMANTLE
NAB AFL Draft selections: 16, 38, 56
Recent trade history: Fremantle has rebuilt its list over the past four years through the draft, avoiding the speculative trades that it has been burned with in the past. In that time it has offloaded ruckman Robbie Warnock (Carlton) and midfielder Brett Peake (St Kilda), reluctantly losing key defender Chris Tarrant (Collingwood) last year. Adam McPhee, Kepler Bradley and Jack Anthony have been secured from rival clubs through the NAB AFL Pre-Season and National Drafts, rather than trade week.
Likely strategy: Fremantle will be an active player under Lyon as the club seeks to get a deal done to secure Brisbane Lion Mitch Clark. Lyon has said he rates the forward-ruckman highly and believes at 23 he is "ready to blossom". Fremantle has an end-of-first-round compensation pick up its sleeve after losing Rhys Palmer to GWS, which could be tabled during trade week. The club will also be negotiating with Port Adelaide as ruckman Jon Griffin seeks further playing opportunities with the Power. Despite showing strong interest in WA junior Jaeger O'Meara, it is hard to see how a suitable deal could be arranged with GWS for the rights to select the talented 17-year-old midfielder.
GEELONG
NAB AFL Draft selections: 26, 48, 66
Recent trade history: In the past few seasons, the Cats have tended to trade players out rather than in. Much of this has been due to fringe players seeking to move to clubs in an attempt to get more game-time. Last year, defender Jeremy Laidler requested, and was granted, a trade to Carlton after managing only two senior appearances with the Cats.
Likely strategy: Despite the upcoming draft being compromised by the heavy involvement of GWS, the reigning premier is unlikely to be a big player in trade week. The Cats have already decided to recruit Jed Bews - son of former rover Andrew Bews - under the father-son rule, and they are prepared to ship out a fringe player or two if they want to go. Ruckman Mark Blake will be offered up for trade and if there are no takers, he'll be delisted.
GOLD COAST
NAB AFL Draft selections: 4, 27 (priority pick), 32, 50
Recent trade history: While establishing their list last year, the Suns were active during trade week. Jared Brennan was the biggest scalp they landed, while they also swapped a number of pre-listed players (including Tendai Mzungu, Rohan Bewick and Peter Faulks), previously listed AFL players (Andrew Krakouer) and previous draft nominees (Cam Richardson) for more draft picks.
Likely strategy: Don't expect much movement from the Suns in trade week.
General manager of football operations Marcus Ashcroft said Gold Coast would not sacrifice any of its young players for the sake of getting an older body, "however if a club approaches us with an offer we will do everything we can to improve our playing list". The No.4 pick however could be used to grab either talented 17-year-old Jaeger O'Meara as part of the Greater Western Sydney mini-draft or a mature-bodied forward.
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
NAB AFL Draft selections: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 31, 49.
Likely strategy: The AFL's 18th and newest club will obviously have a major impact on this year's drafting period, due to their significant draft concessions. They are also the key player in this year's 'mini-draft', to be held on October 17, after all the final trade paperwork has been lodged. The Giants have four 17-year-old players who are concessionary selections, designed to encourage opposition clubs to trade with them to help build their inaugural list. The Giants must trade the picks, so it will be interesting to see their strategy. Clearly they need to fill all areas ahead of their debut in the AFL in 2012. But considering they have picked up Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Phil Davis and Rhys Palmer as uncontracted players to date, some bigger bodies will likely be among their key priorities.
HAWTHORN
NAB AFL Draft selections: 24, 46, 64
Recent trade history: The Hawks love trade week. Former list manager Chris Pelchen did some of his best work there in years past, such as fleecing North Melbourne of a pair on first round draft picks in exchange for Jonathan Hay. Shrewd trading in recent years has netted the Hawks Josh Gibson, Shaun Burgoyne and David Hale and all are now key members of the side. Pelchen is now with St Kilda but the hunch is that Hawthorn will still be wheeling and dealing next week, particularly with a premiership window that is still ajar.
Likely strategy: In a shallow draft further compromised by the entry of Greater Western Sydney, the Hawks would appear to be quite happy to part with their first selection, no.24 overall, if it helps bring an established player to the club. The affection between the Hawks and homesick Adelaide forward Jack Gunston is mutual but it might take sending a player as well as a draft pick to the Crows to get the deal done. Hawthorn is reportedly keen on North small forward Matthew Campbell, and would like to be in a position to deal with GWS for West Australian youngster Jaeger O’Meara, but would have to trade really aggressively in order to get him. The Hawks are within touching distance of their 11th premiership and would be loathe to meddle too much with the chemistry at Waverley Park.
MELBOURNE
NAB AFL Draft selections: 12, 36, 54
Recent trade history: The Demons were involved in just one trade last year, with Kyle Cheney going to Hawthorn for a low pick. The previous year was the famous deal that sent Brock McLean to Carlton for the draft pick that landed Jordan Gysberts. The Demons haven't been big players for some time, but sweeping changes to their football department might mean the same for their playing list.
Likely strategy: The Demons are a chance to be a part of this week's negotiations. Tom Scully's departure has given the club two first-round picks, which they may use as trade bait. Matthew Warnock is understood to be looking for a new home and there is sure to be a club in the market for a key defender. Melbourne will be an interesting one to watch as it had salary cap room set aside for Scully, and that could now be spent on an established player.
NORTH MELBOURNE
NAB AFL Draft selections: 18, 40, 58
Recent trade history: Since paying a high price for Hawthorn pair Nathan Thompson and Jonathan Hay in 2004-05, North has focused on drafting and developing youth, picking up extra draft picks by sending defender Josh Gibson (reluctantly) and David Hale to Hawthorn in the past two years. Last year, the Kangaroos were again minor trade week players, acquiring mature-age VFL player Cameron Richardson from Gold Coast and Ben McKinley (for pick 84) from West Coast.
Likely strategy: Coach Brad Scott has vowed to be aggressive during trade week with a particular focus on adding extra polish and skill to his list. However, it's hard to see the Kangaroos landing a big fish as they will want to keep their developing young list largely intact. Ruckman Hamish McIntosh has been widely touted as possible trade bait, but club and player have publicly stated their commitment for each other. Key-position player Lachie Hansen's name has also been floated in some media outlets but we expect him to stay at Aegis Park. However, Hawthorn is reportedly targeting yet another North player, with small forward Matt Campbell said to be in its sights this year.
PORT ADELAIDE
NAB AFL Draft selections: 6, 28 (priority selection), 33, 51
Recent trade history: Port Adelaide only took part in one trade last year, acquiring Norwood goalkicker Simon Phillips, who was pre-listed and on-traded by Gold Coast in exchange for the compensation pick the Power received for Nathan Krakouer. With the exception of South Australian duo Jay Schulz and Jay Nash, who arrived at Alberton in the 2009 exchange period, the club has preferred to rebuild with draft picks rather than ready-made players. This approach could change next week, with coach Matthew Primus indicating his young list could benefit from the support of some bigger bodies in the prime of their career.
Likely strategy: Homesick West Coast midfielder Brad Ebert has requested a trade to Alberton. The Eagles want a first-round draft pick in exchange for Ebert, but Port Adelaide wants to keep its first selection at No.6 overall, meaning a third club will have to get involved. The Power are also in the market for a ruckman, with Fremantle's Jon Griffin and Hawthorn tall Brent Renouf both mentioned as possible targets. The club is hoping to receive compensation for losing 'retired' pair Dean Brogan and Chad Cornes to Greater Western Sydney. GWS won't select either of the veterans as uncontracted players, but should strike a deal with Port Adelaide, which could see either West Adelaide defender Steve Morris and/or ex-Woodville-West Torrens teenager Jarrod Harding land at Alberton.
RICHMOND
NAB AFL Draft selections: 14, 37, 55
Recent trade history: The Tigers are often busy during trade week. They secured Carlton midfielder Shaun Grigg last season after sending young forward Andrew Collins to the Blues. Grigg's top-10 finish in Richmond's best and fairest means the Tigers regard that as a successful deal, although the club has probably had more misses than hits during recent trade weeks. Graham Polak and Jordan McMahon are two poor trades that Tiger fans would rather forget.
Likely strategy: The first thing Richmond needs is a mature ruckman to complement developing big men Angus Graham and Andrew Browne. The club is already talking to Adelaide about a deal to secure Ivan Maric. Its forward line and midfield are also in good shape, but it needs tall, skilled defenders. Geelong's Tom Gillies has apparently caught the eye of the Tigers' recruiting staff. "We must continue to add to our playing list, and identify the right talent that will complement our existing playing group we already have, so … the pressure is on,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said at the club's best and fairest award. "We need to get better, and we need to get better quickly."
ST KILDA
NAB AFL Draft selections: 20, 42, 60
Recent trade history: The Saints were big traders in the Ross Lyon era. Over a three- year period, they pulled off deals that brought in Adam Schneider, Steven King, Charlie Gardiner, Farren Ray, Sean Dempster, Andrew Lovett and Brett Peake but were notoriously hard to negotiate with when Luke Ball said he wanted out at the end of 2009. The Saints were not involved in any trades at the end of last year.
Likely strategy: St Kilda list manager Ameet Bains has said he doubts the club will be big players in the trade period. The Saints are unlikely to be in the hunt for one of the available 17-year-olds while they have also expressed a desire to hold on to their current crop. Zac Dawson and Farren Ray remain unsigned and if talks break down St Kilda may have to move quickly to make sure it doesn't miss out completely. Clubs may be more open to dealing with the Saints now that Lyon is gone.
SYDNEY SWANS
NAB AFL Draft selections: 21, 43, 61
Recent trade history: The Swans have developed a reputation as astute players during trade week, with the likes of Shane Mumford, Josh Kennedy, Ben McGlynn, Rhyce Shaw and Marty Mattner joining the club in recent years and making significant contributions. They have an approach of gentle tinkering, rather than wholesale changes, and it has resulted in eight finals appearances from the past nine years. Having just finished his first season as senior coach, John Longmire is sure to continue on in the same vein.
Likely strategy: With the Swans' first pick landing at No.21, they will likely seek some long-term prospects with their three selections. But with the retirements of Craig Bolton, Daniel Bradshaw and Tadhg Kennelly in 2011, they will have some room under the salary cap. The position most regularly discussed during the year as an area they could strengthen is finding help for promising youngster Sam Reid in the forward line. They were pleased, however, with the performance of Matt Spangher late in the season after he was shifted into attack. The Swans are usually very coy about their plans, but there could be a player or two considering a move due to a lack of opportunities. For example, Paul Bevan and Jarred Moore have been terrific club servants, but managed just 10 games between them in 2011.
WEST COAST
NAB AFL Draft selections: 23, 45, 63
Recent trade history: Since the blockbuster Chris Judd trade of 2007, which secured Josh Kennedy and draft selections No.3 (Chris Masten) and No.20 (delisted forward Tony Notte), West Coast has played a minor role in trade week. At the end of 2009, ruckman Mark Seaby was sent to the Sydney Swans for selection No.22, and Brent Staker traded places with Brisbane Lion Bradd Dalziell in a straight swap. Last year Ben McKinley was sent to North Melbourne for selection No.84.
Likely strategy: The Eagles will be forced to deal after midfielder Brad Ebert requested a trade back to his native South Australia. Port Adelaide, where Ebert has strong family ties, appears the frontrunner of the two SA clubs, with West Coast likely to request draft picks rather than players as compensation. Football manager Neale Daniher said at just 21 Ebert had "has his best football ahead of him and he is highly regarded at our club". After being starved of opportunities at West Coast, Lewis Stevenson, Callum Wilson and Dalziell may see if opportunities present at new clubs.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
NAB AFL Draft selections: 17, 39, 57
Recent trade history: The Dogs went hard in trade week last year with a focus on speed, with Patrick Veszpremi and pick 73 secured in a deal for Andrejs Everitt, Nathan Djerrkura arriving for pick 57 and Justin Sherman for the first round compensation pick they received for new Gold Coast defender Jarrod Harbrow. Having finished in a preliminary final in 2010 with Brad Johnson, Nathan Eagleton and Jason Akermanis retiring and the knowledge young midfield duo Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore would turn up via the father-son rule in the draft, it made sense for the Dogs to load up with what they hoped would provide that missing factor.
Likely strategy: "We haven't even spoken about it [but] I couldn't see us going too hectic there but you don't know," then-caretaker coach Paul Williams said after round 24 this year. "I think the youth is the answer and we'll use as many draft picks as we possibly can to get some kids in." Having played 10 debutants in 2011 amidst the injury crisis that cruelled their year, it's unlikely the Dogs will play hard in the trade period again. Luke Dahlhaus, Jason Tutt and Liberatore were highlights this season and Easton Wood and Liam Jones showed improvement, so it's likely they'll back in the kids they already have and top up with some new ones rather than look to recycle.
Follow our complete coverage of the 2011 AFL exchange period from October 10-17. No trades are official until paperwork has been accepted by the AFL and formally recognised after 2pm on Monday, October 17.
Join the AFL trade conversation on Twitter: use #tradeweek in your tweets.
The views in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
