Essendon will need to prove their detractors wrong to score a talent bonanza at this year’s AFL trade period that starts on Monday.
The Bombers have a reputation for being difficult trade partners, but are faced with the enviable dilemma of trying to work trades for Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad.
AFL clubs convene at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne on Monday morning for the first round of official trade meetings and Essendon’s approach will have a large say in determining how the trade period proceeds.
The Bombers’ first three picks at this year’s draft are 11, 28 and 46 and they also have the option of trading out picks at next year’s draft.
Former No.6 draft pick Aaron Francis is keen on a move home to South Australia and while Essendon want to keep the contracted utility, his departure could help them land the talented trio.
Adelaide will also be a key player.
Their bitter split with Jake Lever, who wants to join Melbourne, threatens to play until late in the trade period, while Charlie Cameron is seeking a trade to Brisbane for family reasons.
The Demons’ first and second round picks (10 and 27) are on the table in return for Lever but Adelaide wants two first-rounders, which could lead to an extended face off between the two clubs.
Cameron is contracted for next season and the Crows could hold up other trades if they rebuff the Lions and stick to their guns over Lever’s worth.
Other things to look our for at this year’s trade period:
* Will the Crows try to make the best of a bad situation and tempt Carlton with a big offer for Bryce Gibbs?
* Things could get tense over Gary Ablett’s move from Gold Coast to Geelong – the Suns are playing hardball over the 33-year-old’s trade worth.
* Geelong’s Steven Motlop is suddenly hot property. The restricted free agent has attracted interest from Port Adelaide, the Crows and the Suns.
* Will Fremantle make their seemingly annual bid to lure contracted Melbourne star Jesse Hogan? The West Australian is expected to stay in Melbourne despite reports he recently met with Dockers captain Nat Fyfe.
* Greater Western Sydney will be busy with Nathan Wilson after a move to Fremantle and Matt Kennedy hoping to land at Carlton along with Smith’s desire to play for the Bombers. St Kilda are also reported to be circling contracted defender Adam Tomlinson.
* Hawthorn and Brisbane will need to hammer out a deal to allow four-time premiership veteran Luke Hodge to come out of retirement to play for the Lions.
* Jack Watts has attracted interest from Port Adelaide, Sydney and Geelong since Melbourne put him up for trade.