AFL trade period 2023 LIVE updates: ‘I think he’ll be gone’: Manager doubts Bombers can get both Duursma brothers; Swans have high hopes for Adams, Grundy

Our journalists speak to a range of player managers, club list managers and other officials to bring you trusted trade news.

Often, those people don’t want to be named because they are in confidential negotiations with clubs or players, and because players’ livelihoods, club strategies and salaries are involved.

Gold Coast’s discussions with Hawthorn about Mabior Chol are expected to continue today with the Suns still after more than a future third-round selection for the contracted forward.

Carlton are obviously keen on Suns youngster Elijah Hollands returning to Victoria to play alongside his brother Ollie, but there is no certainty on what a deal might look like.

He was pick No.7 in the 2020 national draft and was recovering from an ACL injury. He has played 14 games in the past two years, including the last five games of 2023.

Mabior Chol has requested a trade to Hawthorn.Credit: Getty Images

North Melbourne recruit Zac Fisher has spoken to Trade Radio about his move to Arden Street.

He said North first reached out a couple of months before the end of the season, when Fisher was first dropped from the Carlton side.

Zac Fisher is now a Roo.Credit: Getty Images

“Would’ve loved to have played finals … I think Carlton made it somewhat clear that it would be pretty difficult [to break into the senior side] in the coming years,” Fisher said, having missed a spot in the side that made it to a preliminary final.

Fisher said he was excited to get a pre-season at half-back to learn the craft and become a more reliable defender.

And he was excited to link up with some of the young guns at North, including best and fairest winner Harry Sheezel.

Any Essendon fans hoping the Bombers will lure both Xavier Duursma and his highly touted brother Zane to the club will be a little disappointed.

Xavier indicated he wants a trade to Essendon but the trade talks between the two clubs could take time as the Bombers may hope to include Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (who wants to join Port Adelaide) in any trade.

Zane Duursma impressed for Victoria Country on Sunday.Credit: AFL Photos

But the manager for Zane, David Trotter, told AFL Trade Radio on Thursday he doesn’t believe Zane will still be available past pick three or pick five depending on who eventually holds those selections.

“I said to Adrian [Dodoro, Essendon] ‘How good are you?’ – if they manage to get up there I would be shocked,” Trotter told AFL Trade Radio on Thursday.

“I think he will be gone early. If North has pick two or three, I think there is a fair good chance [Zane is selected] but teams don’t do that any more [make guarantees] but I don’t think he slips past four or five.

“He’s inside that pick three to five range.”

Zane told media on Wednesday he would one day love to play with his brother at some point in his career but acknowledged that could be difficult in the near future.

New Western Bulldogs midfielder James Harmes feels he has a point to prove after a difficult last season with Melbourne left him looking for a fresh start.

Harmes shapes as a recruit who can make a difference for the Bulldogs next season with the 2021 premiership player feeling his best is still ahead of him.

Western Bulldogs recruit James Harmes in his new colours.Credit: Western Bulldogs

“I’m super excited to just get as fit as I can, and put my best foot forward,” Harmes told Western Bulldogs media this week

“Sammy [Power] and Bevo [Luke Beveridge] want me to bring my athleticism and running, and contested football.

“I feel like I’ve got a bit of a point to prove with some people out there who probably doubt me a bit, so I’m looking forward to that.

“[Leadership] is something I can get better at – it’s always something I’m trying to improve.

“10 years has gone pretty quick, but I’ve been lucky enough to play in a premiership and 150 games is something I’m really proud of.

“If I can help some younger boys along the way, I’m definitely looking forward to that, and just putting my best foot forward to earn the respect of my teammates and coaches.”

Hawthorn are still eyeing off West Coast’s No.1 pick and working out what package might attract the Eagles, which means there is no rush to get the deal for Tyler Brockman completed as he might be an additional piece along with pick No.4 and other potential picks that could turn their head.

North Melbourne are also in the hunt, but won’t be parting with both picks two and three to get at pick one – although they might eventually include one pick.

West Coast Eagles continue to consider whether it will trade pick one in the draft.Credit: AFL Photos

They are certain they will take at least two of the first three picks to this year’s national draft, much to the annoyance of clubs upset about the assistance the Kangaroos received.

North Melbourne are likely to see whether picks 15, 17 and 18 tempt a club with a higher pick.

Melbourne now have picks six and 11 and can always attempt to get up the draft order.

Meanwhile, West Coast are yet to fully open the door on trading pick one.