AFL Trades 2024: Report card from day two of the AFL trade period

The second day of the trade period is done and dusted, with only one player movement officially lodged through AFL House.

Here’s how The West Australian graded each one.

FREE AGENCY MOVE

West Coast B+

Jack Graham

Richmond C-

End of second-round pick (currently 42)

The Eagles got the dual premiership Tiger for nothing as a free agent and will be a handy addition to improve their bottom line and fill an age demographic gap.

Given the free agency compensation handed to Richmond, it’s clear West Coast didn’t cough up too much salary cap space for the 26-year-old either.

Internally, the Tigers would be frustrated to lose Graham and recieve pick 42 but the selection will be handy in future negotiations as the rebuilding club look to climb up the draft order.

TRADE FOUR

Melbourne C+

Harry Sharp, future third

Brisbane C

Pick 49, future third (tied to Essendon)

Sharp was an emergency for the 2024 grand final and managed six games this season but will only fall down the pecking order with the additions of Ashcroft and Marshall.

He will add plenty of run on the wing for Melbourne and at just 21-years-old still has plenty of upside. The Lions get some more points to use for the father-son and academy selections in a move that suits all parties involved.

Fremantle and Richmond remain at loggerheads over the price for the star forward.

Richmond want picks 10 and 11 but the Dockers want to keep one of those and offer up 18 instead.

Freo list boss David Walls already said the club will not pay overs for the Tiger.

West Coast’s backroom changes continue with premiership player and coach John Worsfold returning to the Eagles.

The club had reportedly been chasing Brisbane boss Dany Daly for the role.

The West Australian spoke to new Eagle Jack Graham who said the lure of playing under McQualter and alongside close friend Liam Baker was a big factor in choosing to switch.

​Read it here​

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Carlton has been happy to reportedly shop Mitch Owies to Port Adelaide and others but the Blues forward wants a big contract.

The 27-year-old is chasing between $700,000 and $800,000 per season, which is turning off potential suitors and Carlton.

He may be force to see the writing on the wall and bring down that high asking price.

Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary is reporting Jack Hayes has undergone a medical at Collingwood.

The injured-riddled forward has played just eight games since being drafted in 2022.

But there’s plenty of talent if he can get on the park.

There are three clubs in this race but North Melbourne are a distant third. That leaves Carlton and Collingwood fighting it out for the two-time All-Australian.

Port want pick 12 from the Blues but Carlton want to keep that pick instead offering a second rounder a future first and Matt Owies.

The Power don’t rate that deal given high highly this year’s draft class is rated.

Collingwood is asking for pick 13 and a second rounder for John Noble and a late pick.

They will then use that pick 13 along with sending Joe Richards who has requested a trade to Port to get Houston.

Lots of moving parts here with that Gold Coast pick the key given they are one of the few not looking at this year’s draft given their academy picks.

It’s being discussed on trade radio and my answer is a resounding yes.

Could easily be condensed down into five days, probably less.

List boss Matt Clarke is delighted with the move.

“Jack obviously had a tough decision to make about where he viewed his playing future and we are delighted he has decided to continue his career at the West Coast Eagles,” he said.

“Jack will add another mature and experienced body to our midfield mix, and he is in the age profile we are looking to bolster amongst our squad.

“His professionalism and leadership will also be valuable for our developing playing group.

“We look forward to welcoming Jack and his partner Jordan to the club.”