AFL Trade and Free Agency Period: Winners and Losers
The dust has settled on the 2024 AFL trade and free agency period, and it’s time to assess how each team fared. From savvy recruiting to puzzling decisions, we break down the winners and losers of the past two weeks.
Adelaide: The Big Winners
The Crows aced this trade period, adding three best 23 players in Alex Neal-Bullen, Isaac Cumming, and James Peatling without sacrificing their prized pick No. 4 in the upcoming draft. This shrewd recruiting will pay dividends in the long run.
Grade: A
Brisbane: Quiet but Calculated
The Lions didn’t need to make many moves, having just won the premiership. However, they do need to address the gaping hole left by Joe Daniher’s retirement. With five selections in the top 50 of the draft, they’re well-positioned to do so.
Grade: C
Carlton: Mixed Bag
The Blues fell short of acquiring Dan Houston, but trading up to pick No. 3 could be a blessing in disguise. They need to nail this selection, though, as their next pick isn’t until 38. The addition of Nick Haynes signals their intent to win now.
Grade: B-
Collingwood: Bold but Concerning
The Magpies’ strategy was bold, adding dual All-Australian Dan Houston and Harry Perryman. However, they’ll be non-factors at this year’s draft, and with nine players aged 32 or older, there are concerns about the long-term impact of their ‘win now’ approach.
Grade: B
Essendon: Lost in Limbo
It’s unclear what the Bombers were trying to achieve this trade period. They bid farewell to Jake Stringer and have no first-round selection at the upcoming draft. It feels like they’re stuck in no man’s land.
Grade: D
Fremantle: Bolton Boost
The Dockers got their man in Shai Bolton, a genuine match winner. While they had to pay big, it could be worth it. With Bolton on board, they’ve shortened significantly in 2025 premiership betting.
Grade: A
Geelong: Smith Snag
The Cats landed Bailey Smith, a perfect addition to their midfield brigade. Giving up only pick 17 for Smith might be the steal of the fortnight.
Grade: B+
Gold Coast: Active and Ambitious
The Suns didn’t need to attack another draft, so it was good to see them active during the trade period. They added players who can help them compete for a finals berth now, including triple premiership player Daniel Rioli.
Grade: B-
GWS: What Could Have Been
The Giants were close to premiership glory, but now they’ve lost four reliable players. The addition of Jake Stringer is fascinating, but they’ll need to address their depth concerns.
Grade: C
Hawthorn: Defensive Delight
The Hawks have assembled the best defence in the league on paper. Reliable key backs Josh Battle and Tom Barrass join the club, and while it came at a hefty price, it could pay off in the long run.
Grade: A
Melbourne: Mixed Emotions
The Demons dodged a bullet by retaining Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, and Kysaiah Pickett, but lost Alex Neal-Bullen. They have two picks inside the top 10 of this year’s draft, but the next 12 months will be crucial for this football club.
Grade: D
North Melbourne: Senior Additions
The Kangaroos added senior players, including Caleb Daniel, Jack Darling, and Luke Parker. While it’s a nice haul, there are concerns about how much football they have left in them.
Grade: C
Port Adelaide: Lukosius Lift
The Power granted Dan Houston’s wish to return to Victoria, but added Jack Lukosius, who can be a difference maker. They’ll need to find a replacement for Houston off halfback, though.
Grade: C
Richmond: Rebuild Mode
The Tigers accepted their situation and opted for a full-blown rebuild. They lost a quartet of best 23 players, but now have an absolutely stacked draft hand featuring eight picks inside the top 24.
Grade: A
St Kilda: Macrae Move
The Saints added Jack Macrae, but is he enough to address their midfield concerns? They need to nail picks 7 and 8 in the draft to extend their run of misery.
Grade: C-
Sydney: Quiet Confidence
The Swans didn’t need to make drastic moves, understanding they’re close to a premiership. Holding two picks in the top 22 is a rarity for a side that’s played in two Grand Finals in the last three seasons.
Grade: C
West Coast: Disappointing Decade
The Eagles had a disastrous 10 days, parting with pick No. 3, waving goodbye to Tom Barrass and Jack Darling, and adding players who aren’t likely to be immediate difference makers.
Grade: D
Western Bulldogs: Tough Period
The Bulldogs lost a tremendous amount of midfield depth, including Bailey Smith and Jack Macrae. They need to address this issue with picks 17 and 25 in the draft.
Grade: D
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