St Kilda’s hopes of a “dream” pairing is set to be rebuffed.
Plus, Collingwood is eyeing a new deal for a young gun, and a Lions star’s plans have been made clear. More in AFL Trade Whispers!
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CATS NOT WILLING TO GIVE UP SDK IN MARSHALL DEAL
Geelong is reportedly not willing to give up Sam De Koning in a potential Rowan Marshall trade.
Marshall has requested a trade from the Saints after the ruckman explored a move the last two years.
The Cats are believed to be Marshall’s preferred destination, having tried to join Chris Scott’s team last trade period.
Reports have indicated that the Saints would want De Koning in a deal to pair him with older brother, Tom.
‘We got delivered a few home truths’ | 01:40
But the Cats key defender isn’t up for grabs, according to Herald Sun reporter Scott Gullan.
“Ross Lyon’s greatest dream, yes, but it won’t happen,” Gullan said on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle.
“Sam De Koning is 25, he’s contracted until the end of next year. Marshall will be 31 in November.
“That is not a straight swap … that’s not going to do it, St Kilda will ask for it.
“This is going to test the Saints’ hard, macho trading, ‘we’re the tough guys’. A third-year in a row a bloke’s asked out, if you block it again.
“But it won’t be for Sam De Koning.”
PIES EYE NEW DEAL FOR YOUNG GUN
Collingwood has locked away emerging midfielder Ed Allan on a new four-year deal after a breakout season.
And now the Magpies are looking to re-sign another young gun, Sam Swadling, over the off-season following a standout debut campaign.
Swadling’s first AFL contract expires at the end of 2027, but the Pies have plans to extend his deal over the summer.
The No. 37 pick in the 2025 draft out of West Perth, Swadling consolidated a spot in Craig McRae’s in the second half of the season.
Bulldogs legend Tom Liberatore retires | 01:56
That included Swadling gathering an equal game-high 32 disposals in Collingwood’s wildcard finals loss to the Western Bulldogs — just the 19-year old’s ninth AFL game.
“The one I’d be watching and the whisper around … Sam Swadling,” Herald Sun reporter Glenn McFarlane said on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle.
“He’s the youngest teenager to have 32 disposals in a final since 1965.
“He’s got one more year to run on the original deal he’s got, it’s cheap as chips.
“Now, watch this space, it’ll be over the summer, he’ll be extended out. It’ll be great news for Collingwood.
“Because they don’t want anyone, WA (clubs), coming for Sam Swadling.”
Swadling remains eligible for the 2027 Rising Star award, as he’s played 10 or fewer games and will be under 21 years of age of January 1.
LIONS STAR OPEN TO CONTRACT TALKS, REJECTS TASSIE INTEREST
With Zac Bailey locked away at Brisbane for eight years, attention quickly turns to Logan Morris as the Lions’ next big priority to lock away.
AFL Media and Nine journalist Callum Twomey reports Morris is open to starting contract talks with Brisbane when the club’s finals campaign finishes.
Morris is contracted for 2027 but rival clubs have already began circling the rising star forward with offers that could be in excess of $1.5 million per season.
Lions secure Bailey on long-term deal | 01:48
Geelong, Melbourne, Collingwood, Carlton, Melbourne and Tasmania are among the clubs that have signalled interest in the 21-year old, who’s coming off a maiden All-Australian blazer with a career-best 65 goals in 2026.
However, Twomey reports Morris won’t be entertaining the Devils’ huge interest in him as a marquee signing and the forward’s only reason to leave Brisbane would be to return to his home state Victoria.
It’s believed talks with the Lions on a new deal would likely be a shorter term arrangement. The former Pick 31 would be eligible for free agency in 2031 after serving eight years at the Lions.
Fellow Lions young gun and Morris’ close mate Kai Lohmann is also out of contract next year and set to draw strong rival interest from Victorian clubs.