Eagles Star Eyes Move to Hawthorn; Suns Player Meets Rival Coach
In the latest trade rumors, one of West Coast’s top players is expected to seek a trade as he aims to secure a long-term contract with a Victorian club. Additionally, a Gold Coast player who has fallen out of favor is reportedly exploring his exit options by meeting with a coach from a rival team.
Eagles Star Defender’s Potential Move to Hawthorn
Tom Barrass, a key defender for West Coast, is likely to request a trade to Hawthorn, where he is interested in signing a long-term deal. According to Paddy Sweeney from Nine, Barrass is eager to agree to a five-year contract with the Hawks. Although he considered moving to Sydney last year and engaged in discussions with the Western Bulldogs this season, Barrass now seems focused on joining Hawthorn.
Barrass, who won West Coast’s best and fairest award in 2022, is currently under contract until the end of 2027, meaning a trade would be necessary for him to leave. Sweeney reports that West Coast is expected to demand significant compensation, potentially including multiple first-round draft picks, to facilitate the deal. The Hawks’ first draft pick is currently No. 11, their only selection within the top 20, so they may need to be inventive in negotiating with West Coast.
The 29-year-old Barrass has been a standout player for the Eagles but has struggled with injuries, never playing more than 19 games in a season. A five-year contract would see him playing into his 33rd year. Additionally, the Hawks are reportedly in the running to acquire free agent Josh Battle from St Kilda, who would not require a trade.
Gold Coast Player Explores Exit Options
Jack Lukosius of the Gold Coast Suns is reportedly looking to leave the club, with Adelaide showing strong interest in bringing him back to South Australia. The Crows are keen to reunite Lukosius with former teammate Izak Rankine, who was traded to Adelaide.
Lukosius, selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2018 draft ahead of Rankine, has recently been dropped from the Suns’ lineup, missing Round 22’s victory over Essendon and taking the weekend off. The 24-year-old, who stands 195cm tall and is contracted until the end of 2026, met with Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks last week on the Gold Coast. Nicks is reportedly trying to persuade Lukosius to request a trade to Adelaide.
The Suns might consider acquiring Richmond’s Daniel Rioli during this trade period, and trading Lukosius could help them manage their salary cap and increase their draft capital. Despite already having substantial draft picks, offloading Lukosius could help balance their roster and finances.
In summary, West Coast’s Tom Barrass is expected to seek a trade to Hawthorn, and Gold Coast’s Jack Lukosius is exploring a move to Adelaide, indicating significant changes in the AFL landscape as the trade period approaches.
