AFL Trade Whispers: Another Tiger wants out as star to request WA move; Port gun to seek Vic return
A Richmond star appears set to request a trade back to Western Australia.
Plus another Tiger appears to be heading west, an Eagle is drawing rival interest and a Port gun is eyeing a return to Victoria
Tigers star Shai Bolton is keen to pursue a return to Western Australia for family reasons, according to multiple reports.
Despite being contracted until 2028 on a deal signed late in 2022, Bolton wants to move back to WA to be with family, with the 25-year old and his partner expecting their second child.
Perth journalist Ryan Daniels reports Bolton has made his intentions clear in recent weeks, however Fremantle and West Coast haven’t yet made meaningful advancements on a trade.
Given Bolton is contracted for four more seasons, how the Tigers approach the situation will be a
A two-time premiership player, Bolton has played 125 games for Richmond since making his debut in 2017.
“Bolton is keen on a move to Fremantle and, like the Suns, the Dockers have lots of draft picks to offer him,” Nine’s Tom Morris reported earlier this week.
Indeed, the Dockers hold a plethora of picks including three first-round picks – their own (currently No. 16), Port Adelaide’s (12) and Collingwood’s (No. 7) – while West Coast currently owns selections No. 3 and No. 23.
One of several Tigers that could be on the move at season’s end including Liam Baker also being linked with a return to his native WA and Daniel Rioli to a reunion with Damien Hardwick at Gold Coast, a third Richmond player appears to be heading west.
According to Daniels, Tigers free agent Jack Graham is likely to join the Eagles “barring a significant shift.”
Graham, who’s previously been linked to a move to Port Adelaide, has played 128 games for Richmond.
Rival clubs including Melbourne are circling West Coast defender Harry Edwards, reports Perth journalist Ryan Daniels.
Still without a contract for 2024, the 23-year old has been in and out of the Eagles side this year – making six appearances – including their last three games.
As Edwards isn’t eligible for free agency, he’d need to be acquired via trade.
It comes with fellow Eagles defender Tom Barrass also weighing up his future despite being contracted until 2027 amid links to Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs.
Nine’s Tom Morris reported on SEN the Hawks can fit both Barrass and Saints free agent Josh Battle into their salary cap in a bid to “set up two pillars in defence” like Melbourne did with Steven May and Jake Lever.
BERGMAN TO SEEK VIC MOVE
Port Adelaide defender Miles Bergman is wanting to return to Victoria, according to Herald Sun’s Sam Landsberger.
With the 23-year old contracted for at Alberton the 2024, Landsberger noted a deal might’t happen this year, but the former Sandringham Dragon is keen to eventually head back to his home state.
“I believe he is very keen to get back to Victoria. He’s contracted for another 12 months, so it might not happen this year,” Landsberger reported on Midweek Tackle.
“But I believe at some stage he will certainly look to get back home.”
Bergman last year re-signed with the Power on a two-year deal amid reported interest from “every Victorian club” tying to lure him back home.