Essendon’s juicy draft hand has been boosted as the club’s compensation pick for Sam Draper’s departure has been revealed.

Plus a former Magpie is on a rival’s radar.

Stay up to date with the latest player movement developments in AFL Trade Latest!

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CATS ‘NOT COOLING’ ON CURNOW

Despite Saints big man Rowan Marshall request for a trade to the Cattery, Geelong aren’t losing interest in Blues forward Charlie Curnow.

It’s set to be a tough sell for the Cats to obtain both Marshall and Curnow – but according to afl.com.au, Geelong “will continue to pursue” the Carlton spearhead.

“There had been a belief that the Cats would have to prioritise one of Marshall or Curnow and that the St Kilda big man’s nomination of his preferred trade destination with two years to run on his contract at the Saints would see Geelong bow out of the race for the Blues star,” AFL journalist Cal Twomey wrote.

“(But) Marshall’s trade request on Friday to the Cats has not stopped their pursuit of Curnow.”

As it stands, the Cats currently have pick 18 as their earliest in the 2025 Draft – but they do have their 2026 and 2027 draft hand.

Cameron pips Daicos for Pies B&F | 01:43

That pick 18 looms crucial to both a potential Marshall or Curnow deal.

“Ultimately Carlton have got to be the ones that will determine that market — not us,” Cats footy boss Andrew Mackie earlier told 7NEWS Melbourne.“He’s contracted for four years. The other thing is we’ve got to work out whether we can get a deal done.

“We don’t want to drag things out if it’s not possible to.”

Complicating matters is the fact Sydney loom large in the hunt for Curnow – and they’ve got pick 10 reportedly on the table and potentially Will Haywood open to a move.

“You don’t want to be somewhere where you’re not wanted,” Hayward told Code Sports.“I haven’t heard anything that has legs just yet (in regards to a trade). So, until the club approaches me, I’m sticking here.”

Journalist Sam Edmund believes while there may be interest from the Cats in both players, ultimately only one deal would be struck.

“I think Rowan Marshall is Geelong’s priority over Curnow. There isn’t a world surely where the Cats can afford Curnow and Marshall,” he said on SEN.

Marshall’s request to join Geelong came only hours after St Kilda signed ex-Blues ruckman Tom de Koning on a big money deal, alongside Jack Silvagni.

Marshall’s still contracted at the Saints until the end of 2027.

BOMBERS BOLSTER JUICY DRAFT HAND AS DRAPER COMPENSATION REVEALED

Essendon will receive an end-of-first round compensation pick — currently No. 20 — for Sam Draper’s free agency move to Brisbane.

It further bolsters the Bombers’ juicy 2025 draft hand, now with picks 4, 5, 20, 25 and 28.

That could get further boosted if star skipper Zach Merrett gets his wish of a trade to Hawthorn during the exchange window.

“We are excited about the draft hand we’ll take into the trade and draft period, now three first-round picks along with two second rounders,” Essendon list boss Matt Rosa said.

“Having five picks inside thirty is a very strong position to be in and this provides us with great flexibility whether that’s through the draft itself or the trade period.

“Ultimately, it gives us another opportunity to bring in more exciting young talent to the club.”

‘I know what it means to be contracted’ | 01:04

Draper signs with the Lions as an unrestricted free agent, meaning Essendon had no ability to match the offer.

He missed the majority of the 2025 season after suffering an Achilles injury in April.

The ruckman powers up the reigning back-to-back premiers along with fellow free agent signing Oscar Allen.

EX-PIE TO MEET WITH EAGLES

Ex-Magpie Fin Macrae is set to meet with West Coast in the coming days as the Eagles consider throwing a lifeline to the former No. 19 pick.

SEN’s Sam Edmund revealed the Eagles’ interest in Macrae on Saturday afternoon.

West Coast will have four extra rookie spots in 2026 as part of the assistance package the club received from the AFL after the wooden spooners finished in the bottom three for a fourth-straight season.

Macrae, 23 was delisted by Collingwood last month following 21 games over five years at the club including no senior appearances in 2025.