Collingwood’s Top 5 Trade Targets
After a slow start to their premiership defence, Collingwood is well within the hunt as the club attempts to go back-to-back for the first time since 1936.
In recent off-seasons the Pies have been active as they look to create the perfect mix under coach Craig McRae, with the 2024 period looking no different.
Collingwood is in the mix to bolster their key defensive posts to assist captain Darcy Moore as the premature retirement of Nathan Murphy, and with father time slowly catch up to Jeremy Howe, opening vacancies down back.
McRae and his list management staff could also look to add an experienced ruckman to help Darcy Cameron in the role given Mason Cox doesn’t pose as the long-term solution.
Considering that most of the game’s high-quality big men are locked away at their respective clubs, the Pies would either need to offer a godfather deal to pry them out or settle for a project player.
Either or, we’ve named five potential targets for Collingwood as we look to 2025 and beyond.
It’s just past mid-season but the AFL trade news and rumours are already ramping up ahead of the 2024 player movement period.
With several players approaching free agency and the trade period coming, speculation is starting to grow.
Tigers star Bolton to seek trade home – report
Richmond gun Shai Bolton wants to return back to Western Australia despite having four years left on his deal, according to a report.
Fremantle are the club most likely to secure Bolton if he leaves Tigerland with Richmond in a position of strength due to the player’s contract, reports AFL Media’s Cal Twomey.
The Dockers hold three first round picks (currently 7, 12 and 16) and these could be used to snare Bolton, with Richmond getting a head start on their rebuild.
Tom Barrass trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, Collingwood
Hawthorn emerge as favourite to snare Barrass
Hawthorn are favourites to snare West Coast star Tom Barrass ahead of the Western Bulldogs.
Herald Sun’s Jay Clark reports at that a meeting between Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell and Barrass has edged the Hawks ahead in the race.
The Eagles haven’t sanctioned a trade for Barrass yet, with a sweet deal likely needed to be produced from any suitors.
Clayton Oliver trade news, rumours
Interested clubs: Adelaide, St Kilda, Collingwood
Adelaide favourite if Oliver leaves Melbourne
Tension is building between Melbourne and Clayton Oliver with a move to Adelaide possible, according to a prominent journalist.
Oliver was talked about as a possible trade at the end of last season but no move ended up eventuating.
However, Sam McClure reports Oliver could be available in the upcoming trade period and Adelaide are in the box seat if he departs the Demons.
“I think he’s clearly up for grabs. If he’s going to leave Melbourne, which is an if at this stage, it will be to the Adelaide Crows,” McClure said on Nine.
“This is a complicated one. Adelaide have made it very clear to the rest of the competition that their first pick is up for grabs – that’s not saying it’ll absolutely be for Clayton Oliver.
“As we sit here tonight, I don’t Melbourne are over the hump with saying they absolutely want to let go of Clayton Oliver.
“There’s frustration and tension building between the two parties, Clayton Oliver is frustrated about lately starting on the bench, this new role that he’s been given, he doesn’t think he’s being utilised the best way he can be. He’s on six years at more than $1.1 million (a season).”
