The future of Clayton Oliver is again uncertain as rival clubs are reportedly eyeing the Melbourne superstar during the current Trade Period. Oliver’s performance in 2024 fell short of expectations due to personal challenges that led him to take a break from the club. Following a dispute with the Demons, his name has once again surfaced in trade discussions. According to reports from The Age, several teams, especially Geelong, are interested in acquiring Oliver, who has increasingly felt sidelined at Melbourne this season.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is Geelong’s intention to use their first-round draft pick to pursue Bailey Smith from the Western Bulldogs. Although Smith hasn’t officially declared Geelong as his preferred destination, it seems likely he will join the Cats this off-season. Meanwhile, Melbourne has had to address trade rumors surrounding another star, Christian Petracca, who expressed frustration with the club’s direction and its management of his injuries. With Oliver tied to a substantial six-year contract worth over $1 million annually, the stakes for both player and club are considerable.
In another unfolding trade drama, Carlton is reportedly at odds with Port Adelaide over the potential acquisition of defender Dan Houston. The Power have labeled the Blues’ trade offer as “delusional,” considering it significantly undervalues Houston, who has become a coveted player after requesting a move to a Victorian club despite having three years remaining on his contract. Negotiations between the two clubs have begun under tense circumstances, with Carlton and North Melbourne seen as frontrunners in the race for Houston’s signature.
The situation escalated as Port Adelaide demanded Carlton’s first-round pick in the 2024 draft, currently valued at 11, as a non-negotiable starting point. The Blues’ initial offer involved an unnamed third club’s draft pick and uncontracted small forward Matt Owies, which the Power rejected, insisting that such terms do not reflect Houston’s value given his two-time All-Australian status and his performance over the last two seasons.
With the draft class of 2024 anticipated to be exceptionally strong, Port Adelaide’s strategy hinges on acquiring first-round picks to facilitate a trade. If negotiations with Carlton falter, North Melbourne’s chances of securing Houston could improve, particularly given their advantageous picks at 2 and 22. Notably, Houston will miss the beginning of the 2025 season due to a suspension, adding another layer to his potential trade.
On a different note, Mark Robinson, the long-time co-host of the AFL 360 show, is set to leave the program after 14 years. Since its inception in 2010, the show has garnered significant acclaim, but Robinson’s departure marks a significant shift in its dynamics. Despite the critical success, his tenure has not been without controversy, often facing calls for his dismissal due to perceived shortcomings in professionalism and communication. His exit will pave the way for new voices in AFL media, while Gerard Whateley remains committed to the network, likely expanding his role with Fox Footy in the future.