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

The first day of the trade period is done and dusted, with two trades officially lodged through AFL House.

Here’s how The West Australian graded each one.

TRADE ONE

Adelaide - B+

Alex Neal-Bullen

Melbourne - A-

2024 second-round pick (currently No.28)

The Demons lose an experienced player but they were in need of some draft capital given that before this trade they had pick No.5 and then nothing until No.40. Neal-Bullen is a good pick up for the Crows given he can play a variety of roles including as a forward as well as run through the midfield.

TRADE TWO

North Melbourne C-

Jack Darling

West Coast - B+

2024 fourth-round pick (currently No.67)

The Kangaroos gave up next to nothing for an almost 300-game premiership forward but there is no denying Jack Darling is past his best football.

Whether or not Nick Larkey and Cam Zurhaar will benefit from the 32-year-old’s added experience up forward will be a wait and see.

From the Eagles’ perspective, the club frees up both salary cap space and room up forward for another developing key forward to take his place.

Jack Darling is officially a Kangaroo.

Here is how the West Coast premiership forward’s trade to North Melbourne unfolded.

Former Blue turned Gold Coast Suns forward Levi Casboult has announced his retirement after 198 games.

Casboult switched to the Suns in 2021 after 12 seasons at Carlton.

“It’s been a long time coming, I can look back and say I got the most out of myself and I left no stone unturned over 15 years,” Casboult said.

“I have met so many incredible people and I will always be grateful for everything my career has given me.

“My greatest achievement is my family and I think that coincides with when I started playing my best footy, it gave me such a good perspective on life and a greater purpose.”

Andrew Brayshaw is without a contract beyond next season and Victorian clubs are sniffing around the Dockers vice-captain. However, list boss David Walls was keen to shut down any rumours.

“We’ve had some encouraging early conversations with Tom Petroro, his manager — Andy’s really keen to commit,” Walls told AFL Trade Radio on Monday.

“(He) loves living in Fremantle, the lifestyle, but he’s as committed as anyone to the club, so I think we’ll wrap that up in the coming weeks.

“It’d be good to get a deal done, both parties are keen to get it sorted.”

“Jack has been an outstanding contributor to the West Coast Eagles over the last 15 years and we appreciate the reasons for his decision to join North Melbourne,” GM Gavin Bell said.

“He is obviously a highly decorated premiership player and a life member, who we thank for his excellent service to our club.

“On behalf of the club, I’d like to wish Jack, Courtney, Max, Leo and Rosie all the best for the future.”

“We were looking to add some support to our forward line, and we’re excited about what a player like Jack can bring,” footy boss Todd Viney said.

“Our Head of Football Talent Brady Rawlings worked with Jack in his previous role at West Coast and has seen up close his professionalism and preparation.

“Jack has great strength and ability to bring the ball to ground and chase and tackle, and we think his experience will benefit our young list enormously.

“We know he’ll be a great sounding board and support for players like Nick Larkey and Cam Zurhaar and he’s excited about helping us in our journey back up the ladder.”

The moves are flying in now. After taking some time to weigh up whether to stay or go Richmond defender Jack Graham will join West Coast as an unrestricted free agent. On a four-year deal. Remains to be seen what the Tigers will get in compensation but expect something in band two which would currently be pick 25.

It took a little longer but Jack Darling is officially a Roo.

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