A veteran Carlton player is reportedly considering a move in 2026 after being passed over for senior selection yet again this week. Meanwhile, speculation is rife about a potential trade involving a Hawthorn player heading west as part of a strategic plan to acquire Harley Reid. These developments are part of the ongoing AFL Trade Whispers, which continue to capture the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Mitch McGovern’s Uncertain Future at Carlton
Carlton defender Mitch McGovern is reportedly planning to “start looking elsewhere” for a new club in 2026. This decision comes after he was once again overlooked for the AFL side, despite a strong performance in the VFL last week where he accumulated 21 disposals and 10 marks against the Suns VFL team. According to Seven’s Mitch Cleary, McGovern’s absence from the AFL lineup means he is unlikely to meet a contract trigger that requires him to play two more games to secure a new contract for 2026.
The situation is further complicated by Carlton’s current roster challenges. The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph notes that with Jack Silvagni exploring his options and promising defender Harry O’Farrell sidelined for most of 2026 due to an ACL injury, the Blues might still have an interest in retaining McGovern. However, failing to meet the trigger provides McGovern with the “flexibility” to explore other opportunities, while also allowing Carlton to negotiate a contract at a potentially lower cost.
“Mitch McGovern’s situation is a classic case of a player caught between potential and opportunity. His VFL performance shows he’s still got plenty to offer, but the dynamics at Carlton are shifting,” said Ralph.
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Potential Move for Hawthorn’s Ned Reeves
In another intriguing development, Hawthorn ruckman Ned Reeves could be on the verge of a move to West Coast as part of Hawthorn’s ambitious plan to secure Harley Reid. Nine’s Tom Morris suggests that “Ned Reeves could easily head to the Eagles as part of a possible Harley Reid trade.” The Hawks are reportedly leading the race for Reid, who is still contracted with the Eagles for 2026.
However, a straightforward swap involving Reeves and Reid is unlikely. Hawthorn would need to offer significantly more to acquire the young star. For Reeves, a transfer to West Coast might be a strategic move, given the current ruck lineup of Matthew Flynn and Bailey Williams at the Eagles.
Reeves played 21 games in 2023 and seemed poised to be Hawthorn’s primary ruckman, but the emergence of Lloyd Meek has limited his appearances to just five matches over the past two seasons. The rise of young tall Max Ramsden, who offers greater versatility as a forward, has further complicated Reeves’ position.
“The ruck merry-go-round is always an interesting watch at this time of year, and Reeves may well and truly be taking his seat as he seeks greener pastures,” observed Morris.
Implications and Future Prospects
The potential moves of McGovern and Reeves highlight the ever-evolving landscape of AFL trades. As clubs strategize to strengthen their squads, players are left to navigate their careers amidst shifting team dynamics and emerging talents. The decisions made in the coming months could have significant implications for the players involved and their respective clubs.
For Carlton, retaining McGovern could provide much-needed stability in defense, especially with the uncertainty surrounding other key players. On the other hand, Hawthorn’s pursuit of Harley Reid underscores their commitment to building a formidable team for the future, even if it means parting with promising talents like Reeves.
As the AFL trade period progresses, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these stories unfold and what impact they will have on the league’s competitive landscape.
