Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
AFL trade watch has intensified with several players facing uncertain futures as clubs begin planning for the 2027 season. Collingwood has been linked with Gold Coast midfielder Alex Davies as a potential value recruit, while Adelaide defenders Jordon Butts and James Borlase are attracting interest from multiple Victorian clubs ahead of the AFL Trade Period.
With the bye rounds complete and the home and away season entering its final stretch, list management decisions are becoming an increasing focus across the competition.
Collingwood linked with Alex Davies
Gold Coast midfielder Alex Davies has emerged as a player to watch after struggling for consistent senior opportunities.
Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph described Davies as a potential "moneyball recruit", suggesting Collingwood could view the powerful midfielder as a low cost addition with significant upside.
Ralph believes Davies possesses the contested ball winning ability that could appeal to rival recruiters despite areas of his game still requiring development.
Josh Barnes also expects Davies to explore a move back to Victoria after limited AFL opportunities this season.
The Suns midfielder has reportedly attracted interest as clubs assess affordable midfield options during the trade period.
Jake Rogers also tipped to explore options
Davies is not the only Gold Coast player facing an uncertain future.
Former first round draft pick Jake Rogers has also been linked with a possible return to Victoria after struggling to establish himself in the Suns' midfield rotation.
Currently sidelined through injury, Rogers has found opportunities difficult to secure despite his highly regarded junior career.
With Gold Coast boasting significant midfield depth, rival clubs could present a clearer pathway to regular senior football.
Swans ruck duo facing uncertain futures
Sydney's Peter Ladhams and Hayden McLean are also among players whose futures remain unclear.
Both have battled for opportunities alongside the Swans' preferred forward structure, with Joel Amartey's recovery likely to influence list decisions.
Ralph believes it is unlikely both players will remain at Sydney beyond this season.
Barnes suggested McLean may hold the advantage because of his ability to contribute primarily as a forward while providing support in the ruck.
However, he also noted both players may benefit from exploring opportunities elsewhere if regular senior football remains limited.
Essendon midfielder struggling to secure interest
Former high draft pick Elijah Tsatas continues to face questions over his long term future at Essendon.
Despite showing his ability to accumulate possessions, concerns remain over other aspects of his game, including defensive running and overall impact.
Ralph compared Tsatas' situation to former Bomber Ben Hobbs, while Barnes questioned where the midfielder would fit if he sought opportunities elsewhere.
Although Tsatas may still attract interest, both analysts suggested his market could be limited unless significant improvement follows.
Crows defenders attracting Victorian clubs
Adelaide key defenders Jordon Butts and James Borlase have reportedly emerged as targets for several Victorian clubs.
According to Ralph, Essendon, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs are monitoring players in Adelaide's key defensive stocks.
Butts has reportedly been linked most strongly with the Bulldogs after finding himself behind teammates including Mark Keane and Josh Worrell in the pecking order.
Borlase has also impressed at state league level and could become a trade option if senior opportunities remain limited.
Bulldogs and Cats also face list decisions
Western Bulldogs defender Jedd Busslinger is another player whose future remains uncertain after struggling to cement a regular place in Luke Beveridge's side.
Meanwhile, Geelong pair Jhye Clark and Mitch Knevitt have also been identified as players who could assess their options.
Barnes believes Knevitt appears the more likely to depart after limited AFL opportunities despite strong VFL performances.
Clark remains highly regarded but has also struggled for consistent senior selection despite his versatility across multiple positions.
As the AFL season approaches its conclusion, clubs are expected to increase discussions around players seeking greater opportunities ahead of the upcoming trade and free agency period.
