Channel Seven’s Mitch Cleary has offered a trade and free agency update on several big names that are set to weigh up their future in 2024.
Cleary went over several names that have long been talked about in this space including Bailey Smith, Max Holmes and Hugh McCluggage, while he also gave his thoughts on a new name in Daniel Rioli who has recently been linked to a move to Gold Coast.
Check out his update on SEN Breakfast below.
Bailey Smith (Western Bulldogs)
“I think it's more likely he leaves now. I think a lot of people have got their head around that,” Cleary said on SEN Breakfast.
“There's three in the race – Geelong, Hawthorn and Collingwood.
“I think Hawthorn needs a first-round (draftee) as a key position player, but they might have a look at Bailey Smith.
“We'll see how that one unfolds, I don't have a clear frontrunner yet.”
Max Holmes (Geelong)
“This one should play out later in the year.
“I've still got the Cats in front, but there's a lot of Victorian teams waiting by the phone on this one to see if he does pop his head up.
“I'd say more likely to stay at the Cats for now.
“I'm big on Max Holmes. I reckon Max Holmes’ upside could be really strong.”
Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane)
“It's taking a little longer than we thought.
“I still think Brisbane. The more footy he plays as the year goes on, I’m sure clubs will continue to ask the question, but I can't see him leaving Brisbane at this point.
“I've heard more around the ones ($1 million per season). There is I guess a premium you pay on free agents because you don't have to give up anything in terms of a trade pick.
“I'd have him more around the $1 million mark.”
Daniel Rioli (Richmond)
“I wouldn't rule it out (a move to Gold Coast).
“He obviously caught up with ‘Dimma’ (Damien Hardwick) while he was up there (on the Gold Coast). But there was no meeting of the or no touring of the facility.
“It's the sort of play that Gold Coast are going to go after. They've got two first-round picks this year, and they don't really need them. They've got all the young talent they need now.
“Those picks I expect would be on the table for the Gold Coast. They need a half back, it would really fit the bill and he has the relationship (with Hardwick).
“I wouldn't rule that one out.”
Adelaide’s potential targets
“I expect them to come again for Harrison Petty.
“I think their rebuild is in the stage now that can set themselves up to go hard at free agents and trade targets.
“Remember Carlton a few years ago when they had all that money for Adam Saad and for Zac Williams, it feels like Adelaide’s rebuild is sort of around that same stage.
“They’ve got the money to go hard and attack the market right now. So I expect them to land someone in the next year or two.”
