Earlier this morning, reports confirmed that Collingwood has emerged as a potential destination for star midfielder Clayton Oliver. This development follows news from last week that the Melbourne Demons, under new senior coach Steven King, informed Oliver he no longer fits into their midfield plans. As a result, the four-time best-and-fairest winner has been encouraged to explore opportunities with other clubs.
According to AFL Trade Radio, Collingwood’s general manager of list management, Justin Leppitsch, acknowledged receiving an inquiry from Oliver’s management.
“On face value, we will probably know in the next few days if we can progress with that,”
Leppitsch stated, indicating that discussions are in the preliminary stages.
Brisbane Lions’ Strategic Moves
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Lions continue to strengthen their lineup, having secured free agents Oscar Allen and Sam Draper. However, the Lions are expected to lose dual premiership players Callum Ah Chee and Brandon Starcevich. Ah Chee has requested a trade to Adelaide, while Starcevich is eyeing a move to the West Coast Eagles.
Despite being a free agent, Starcevich may still require a trade to ensure the Eagles do not forfeit their compensation for Allen, anticipated to be the second pick in the draft. The Lions are negotiating to receive the Eagles’ pick 16 in exchange, although the Eagles prefer to utilize the compensation pick from the AFL assistance package.
Carlton’s Internal Struggles
In other news, Carlton coach Michael Voss delivered a candid speech at the club’s best-and-fairest function, addressing the Blues’ internal challenges. Voss criticized the team’s lack of resilience and cultural issues, admitting his own shortcomings as a leader during a challenging season.
“Right now, we are not a very resilient football club,”
Voss remarked, emphasizing the need for unity and external focus. Despite a disappointing 9-14 record, Voss is set to continue as coach through 2026. The team faces a potential exodus, with Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni departing for St Kilda, and star forward Charlie Curnow seeking a new start elsewhere.
AFLW: Richmond’s Breakthrough Victory
Richmond’s AFLW team celebrated their first win of the season, defeating Adelaide by 11 points. Inspired by Monique Conti, the Tigers overcame an early deficit to secure an 8.10 (58) to 6.11 (47) victory, marking their highest score of the season. This win also represents the second-highest score ever conceded by the Crows.
Geelong’s Cultural Crisis
Geelong is grappling with internal turmoil following a controversial social media post by Bailey Smith. The incident has highlighted cracks in the club’s once-revered culture, with key figures like captain Patrick Dangerfield and coach Chris Scott caught in the fallout. The situation underscores the challenges facing the club as they navigate this period of unrest.
Smith’s behavior has been a point of contention throughout the season, and the club now faces a critical juncture in managing his future. The AFL is also closely monitoring the situation, as Geelong’s reputation for transforming players into champions hangs in the balance.
Trade Market Dynamics
As the AFL trade period approaches, several clubs are actively exploring their options. The Giants recently met with Clayton Oliver in a unique setting on Sydney Harbour, highlighting the lengths teams will go to secure top talent. Melbourne’s willingness to subsidize part of Oliver’s contract adds further intrigue to his potential move.
The Adelaide Crows are also evaluating Oliver as a possibility, though they remain non-committal at this stage. Meanwhile, the Gold Coast Suns are conducting due diligence on Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, despite his absence from the Bulldogs’ lineup this season due to mental health reasons. The Suns are also keen to retain Brayden Fiorini, although he is considering offers from Port Adelaide and Essendon.
As the trade period unfolds, the AFL landscape is set for significant changes, with clubs maneuvering to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of the league and the fortunes of its teams.
