Swans’ shock $11m bid for Buddy replacement; Dons plot potential player swap: Trade Whispers

Sydney was ready to hand out the biggest contract in AFL history to replace Lance Franklin.

Plus a rare player swap could unlock a deal between Essendon and Port Adelaide.

Get the latest AFL player movement news in Trade Whispers!

Watch every match of The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Live on Kayo Sports. Starts THU 6 OCT 7:30PM AEDT. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >

NEW FOX FOOTY PODCAST — Flagpies prevail & trade period preview

Listen below or subscribe in Apple Podcasts or Spotify

SWANS’ SHOCK $11M BID FOR BUDDY REPLACEMENT

The Western Bulldogs have ensured Aaron Naughton is off the market with an eight-year deal worth over $1 million per season, but some rivals were happy to go even bigger.

Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains confirmed at Wednesday night’s Sutton Medal event a rival club had offered Naughton a 10-year deal.

It’s been revealed Sydney and West Coast were the most keen, each offering a 10-year contract – the equal-longest in AFL history.

“Which clubs were keen on him most? Collingwood had a nibble, Geelong were interested, West Coast were interested,” reporter Tom Morris said on Trade Radio.

“The Sydney Swans were interested, and my information is that the Swans offered upwards of $11 million across 10 years.”

It would’ve been a remarkable move from the Swans just as Buddy Franklin, who they famously signed to a nine-year, $10 million contract when he left Hawthorn, retired – replacing him with an even bigger deal.

Doedee names Brisbane as preferred home | 00:26

DONS PLOT POTENTIAL PLAYER SWAP

Essendon could attempt a rare player swap deal with Port Adelaide in order to get the trade period moving.

The Bombers have interest in Power midfielder Xavier Duursma, according to multiple reports, and SEN’s Tom Morris reported his name has been discussed as part of the Brandon Zerk-Thatcher trade.

Zerk-Thatcher has already made it clear he’s keen to join Port Adelaide but with the Power chasing at least four players – the Dons defender, plus Esava Ratugolea, Jordon Sweet, Ivan Soldo and maybe others – but not holding any picks inside the top 35, they’ll need to get creative.

A swap for former first-round pick Duursma, potentially with some later picks changing hands, could unlock the move.

“He is a player now that there is going to be some traction on. A year to go on his deal,” Cal Twomey said on Trade Radio.

“When you look at what Port Adelaide is bringing in, and at some point there is going to be a squeeze. There is definitely interest there from the Bombers on Xavier Duursma.”

Only one trade last year saw players directly swapped for each other – Fremantle gaining Jaeger O’Meara and Hawthorn receiving Lloyd Meek.