A Victorian young gun, who has been floated as the key to unlocking Christian Petracca’s move to Adelaide, has been taken off the table.

Plus the surprise suitor for an out-of-favour Brisbane midfielder – and they’re also chasing a Suns defender.

Get the latest AFL player movement news in Trade Whispers!

Watch every match of the 2025 NAB AFL Women’s Season LIVE ad-break free during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

CROWS YOUNG GUN ‘UNTOUCHABLE’ IN PETRACCA CHASE

Melbourne is keen on landing a player in return for star midfielder Christian Petracca but the Crows are unwilling to give up exciting forward Josh Rachele, according to Seven’s Theo Doropoulos.

The Victorian has been suggested by many experts as the potential circuit-breaker for the deal, including Fox Footy’s Jordan Lewis on Monday night’s edition of On the Couch.

Rachele’s name was floated as trade bait last off-season after he was dropped for not adhering to team-first values during games.

He then played 14 games in 2025, averaging more than two goals a week before injuries cruelled his season. He was rushed back in time to be the substitute for the Crows’ semi-final loss to Hawthorn.

Petracca would likely spend some time at half-forward if he joined the Crows but they’re unwilling to part with the No.6 pick from the star-studded 2021 Draft.

“Adelaide forward Josh Rachele will absolutely not be part of any deal involving Demons superstar Christian Petracca and a potential move to the Crows,” Seven’s Theo Doropoulos tweeted.

“The 22-year old is contracted until 2029 and is considered untouchable.”

CODE Sports reported Luke Pedlar could be involved in the deal given his interest in more midfield time.

The Demons confirmed on Tuesday Petracca was interested in leaving the club.

“We met with Christian late last week where he expressed his desire to explore a fresh start in 2026,” new CEO Paul Guerra said.

“Christian is contracted for a further four years and is a once in a generation player. With this in mind, any decision regarding Christian’s future will be made in the best interest of the Melbourne Football Club.”

Petracca, the No.2 pick in the 2014 Draft, is a four-time All-Australian, two-time best and fairest winner, Norm Smith medallist, one-time club leading goalkicker and premiership player.

Eagles reconsidering Starcevich contract | 01:06

SURPRISE SUITOR FOR FORGOTTEN LION

The Western Bulldogs will attempt to bolster their midfield, entering the race for forgotten Brisbane midfielder Deven Robertson.

AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge reports the 24-year-old is expected to find a second AFL home after falling out of favour at the back-to-back premiers.

He played all three finals in the Lions’ 2022 campaign, then 16 games in the 2023 Grand Final season, famously losing his shirt during a clash against Collingwood.

That off-season amid interest from West Coast, Robertson opted not to head home to Western Australia, instead signing a two-year extension.

But the decision backfired and having played just six games in the next two seasons, including four as the sub this year, the No.22 pick from the 2019 draft is set to leave the Lions.

The Eagles have renewed their interest while the Bulldogs are also keen to add cheap depth to their star-studded midfield.

Robertson averaged 26.1 disposals and 6.6 tackles in a strong 2025 VFL campaign.

The Bulldogs are also chasing Gold Coast defender Connor Budarick, with the Kangaroos the other suitor for his services.

Budarick has ruled out Brisbane and Essendon and has a two-year offer on the table to remain at the Suns.

The 24-year-old, who impressed early in the decade as a small defender but suffered back-to-back ACL injuries, played 19 games this year primarily in the forward line.