An underrated Swan continues to have his name raised in trade discussions, despite his manager suggesting any move away from Sydney is off the cards.
Meanwhile, a star Hawthorn recruit has thrown his support around a wantaway rival skipper, who he says is “well within his rights” to request a trade.
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TRADE TALK ON UNDERRATED SWAN CONTINUES TO BUBBLE AWAY
James Rowbottom’s could yet still be traded before Wednesday evening’s deadline, as Sydney continue to work out how they can trade in Carlton superstar Charlie Curnow.
The 25-year-old inside bull has played 140 at the Swans across seven seasons, and only days ago had a move all but shut down by manager Matt Bain of TGI.
“It’s that time of year, clubs have asked the question and no doubt been ringing Sydney about him. He loves the club and the players, I can’t see it happening,” Bain told AFL Media on Friday.
However, Seven’s Mitch Cleary has since revealed that Rowbottom spoke with Magpies coach Craig McRae on Friday night, further hinting at the possibility of a trade.
Cleary noted on Sunday morning that Rowbottom was “defiant he wants to stay”, despite the Swan’s chat with McRae and other rival clubs also believing he is being posed to them as a trade option.
His teammate Ollie Florent has reportedly been told to look elsewhere by the club, while Will Hayward’s name has continued to pop up. It is understood the latter is not expected to explore his options in the same way his two teammates are.
Sydney acquired small forward Malcolm Rosas Jnr from Gold Coast earlier this trade period.
Swans closing in on Charlie Curnow? | 02:58
‘WELL WITHIN HIS RIGHTS’: STAR HAWK’S SUPPORT FOR WANTAWAY SKIPPER
One of Hawthorn most recent star recruits in Tom Barrass has thrown his support behind wantaway rival captain Zach Merrett, as he continues to push for a move out of Essendon.
The 30-year-old Bombers skipper has long been linked to the Hawks this off-season, however his club of a dozen years remains steadfast that they don’t intend on trading him.
Speaking to The Age on Saturday afternoon, Barrass spoke to the developing nature of the trade period, and why he believes Merrett is entitled to a move away from Tullamarine.
“The landscape’s changed a little bit the last few years. Free agency and a bunch of rules around trades has sort of incentivised player movement,” Barrass said.
“I think we’ll see more and more of it like we do in some of the American sports … it’s great. It’s just a part of the game now and it needs to be embraced.
“I’d imagine Zach spent 12 years waking up at 6am every day contributing to the [Essendon] footy club and he’s well within his rights to try and explore his options as a professional.
Like Sam [Mitchell] has been saying, hopefully that’s at the Hawks … I wish him all the best.”
Barrass himself departed West Coast after 150 games before being traded to Hawthorn in exchange for a future first-round pick, a future second-round pick and a future third-round pick. The Hawks received a future fourth-round pick in return alongside Barrass.