AFL Trades: Hawthorn trade pick No.14 to Carlton to leave Tom Barrass and Liam Baker deals in limbo
Hawthorn has blown the trade period wide open with a shock move, trading their pick No.14 to Carlton despite it being central to a move to get West Coast defender Tom Barrass.
The Hawks secured Carlton’s future first and second round picks in a deal on Friday that has thrown the Eagles’ plans into turmoil.
West Coast were expected to get pick No.14 at a minimum in exchange for Barrass, who requested a trade to the Hawks despite having three years to run on his current contract.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.They were then set to on-trade that selection to Richmond in exchange for their vice-captain Liam Baker, who would join good friend Jack Graham who signed a four-year deal at West Coast earlier this week as a free agent.
It is reported that the Hawks offered pick No.14 and a future second-round pick in exchange for Barrass and a future third-round pick which was rejected by West Coast.
This could all be thrown into turmoil though if the Hawks complete a deal to send the pick to Carlton.
And it opens up the chance for Fremantle to swoop on Baker, who wants to return home to WA after 128 games in seven seasons at the Tigers.
The Dockers were already hotly pursuing Richmond forward Shai Bolton and were willing to part with picks No.10 and No.18 in a deal, but they could also send their third first-round selection (No.11) to also secure Baker.
It could leave Barrass stranded at the Eagles, despite the vice-captain wanting to leave to play for Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell.
New Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has already said he was happy to keep Barrass at the Eagles in 2025.
“He’s a very good player and he’s still contracted with us,” McQualter told SEN on Friday morning.
“We’ve been on the public record saying if it doesn’t get done we’re rapt to keep him and me, personally, I know how good a player he is. If that falls that way I’m happy still.
“The reality is he’s a club champion who still has three years to run on a contract. It’s just got to be fair compensation.
“It’s a challenge. We’re working through that with the list management committee at the moment and there’s discussions on going with Hawthorn. If it gets done, great. If it doesn’t, great.”
