A mooted side deal that could unlock Zak Butters’ Bulldogs move has the footy world talking. So, what’s the AFL’s response?
Plus, the Giants are open to offers for a gun duo, and a Lions star has made a big call on his future. Read on in Trade Whispers.
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AFL ‘SPLIT’ OVER BUTTERS SIDE DEAL
The AFL is reportedly “split down the middle” regarding the mooted Todd Marshall side deal that could unlock Zak Butters’ move to the Western Bulldogs.
AFL journalist Tom Morris reports that Port utility Marshall could be involved in a separate deal centred around two Bulldogs first-round picks — Pick 13 and a future first-rounder — going back to Alberton.
It would effectively be part of a bigger package of three first-rounders for Butters if Port didn’t match the superstar’s free agency offer and received Pick 5 as compensation.
Marshall is contracted at the Power until 2029 but played only 15 games this season.
Ralphy breaks down Butters $19.8M deal | 01:33
Speaking on SEN radio on Tuesday morning, reporter Sam Edmund said the proposal had drawn a mixed response from league headquarters.
“The AFL were already aware of this proposed deal before it became public. I’m told they’re largely split down the middle as to how they’re receiving it,” Edmund said.
“AFL CEO Andrew Dillon in the past has told clubs he hates this sort of stuff, he’s picked up the phone before.
“They’re OK with a salary dump trade, and that’s what the Todd Marshall exchange would be.
“What they don’t like is when the free agency window or any free agency deal is manipulated and when they are linked (with a trade).”
The AFL sends an annual memo to clubs to remind them it will scrutinise every trade and free agency deal.
And league footy boss Greg Swann has warned teams they’ll police possible side deals that manipulate free agency compensation.
“We contacted all clubs a couple of weeks ago, and we will contact them again ahead of the free agency and trade period to reinforce that separate deals have to stand up on merit,” Swann told The Age.
“You can’t be trading a player who hasn’t played a game all year or for two years for multiple first-round picks or something.
“There is still a balance; we have to be mindful of the fact some of the time you think a deal looks a bit off at the time, and it turns out to be a decent trade a year or so later.
“Clubs know that and we are onto it. We will be in contact with them and they know deals have to stand up on merit or they won’t be approved.”
GIANTS OPEN TO OFFERS FOR STAR DUO
GWS has “quietly indicated” it’s open to trade offers for Lachie Whitfield and Harry Himmelberg as part of a list regeneration.
AFL reporter Sam Edmund revealed the Giants has made rivals aware it would be open offers for the contracted star defensive duo.
But he noted it’s unclear whether Whitfield, 32, or Himmelberg, 30, would be willing to move.
Whitfield’s deal with GWS runs through the end of 2027, while Himmelberg is contracted until 2029.
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“We’re not saying that Whitfield and Himmelberg want to be traded, or are even open to being traded, just that clubs have been given a heads up in this space,” Edmund said on SEN radio.
“I’m told Himmelberg’s exit meeting was pointed, some firm feedback for him about the need to get better. And Whitfield’s deal has been reported to be back-ended, potentially as much as seven figures next year.”
It comes with several other Giants veterans on the move as the club begins to move in a new direction.
Jesse Hogan is set to join Collingwood, while Jake Stringer is also on the lookout for a new home.
Meanwhile, star skipper Toby Greene is weighing up a free agency offer from Geelong to return to Victoria.
LIONS STAR REJECTS RIVAL INTEREST TO SIGN ON
Rising Lions star Logan Morris has turned his back on heavy rival interest to re-sign with Brisbane.
Morris was contracted until 2027 but clubs had already been circling the gun forward with mega offers in excess of $1.5 million.
Tasmania was set to come hard for Morris ahead of its AFL entry in 2028, while Geelong, Melbourne, Collingwood and Carlton also signalled interest in trying to lure the 21-year-old back to his home state Victoria.
But Morris has recommitted to the Lions on a new two-year extension until 2029 in a key coup for the reigning back-to-back premiers.
Rampe speaks on ‘Bittersweet’ captaincy | 01:01
“I absolutely love being part of this club, so I’m really excited to be staying,” Morris said.
“The main reason I re-signed is the culture and the group of boys here at the Lions,
“It was an easy decision to stay when every day you get to have fun and be yourself with a pretty special group who can also do deep in finals each year.
“We’ve obviously been fortunate enough to have some amazing experiences together already, but we’re still really hungry and feel like there’s plenty more we want to achieve as a team.
“I’ve had so many people at the club help me since I was drafted and I feel like I’m continuing to learn and improve every year.
“I’m really excited about where this group is heading and hopefully, I can keep getting better and play my role in helping us have more success.”
The former Pick 31 has booted a career-best 67 goals in 2026.
Fellow Lions young gun Kai Lohmann remains out of contract in 2027 and is also set to draw strong rival interest from Victoria.