TOM BARRASS

The star West Coast defender has been thrown back into the trade limelight the last month, despite only recently stating publicly that he would stay an Eagle for life “unless the rug gets pulled out” from under his feet. He’s contracted until the end of 2027, but the 197cm tall is being pursued by both Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs – with the former particularly interested with coach Sam Mitchell flying across the country to meet with him. While the perfect fit for both sides, the Hawks will be more desperate for his services given Rory Lobb’s seamless transition into the Bulldogs’ defence. Hawthorn currently own picks 9 and 28, but will need to get their hands on many more high-end picks if they’re to pull off the heist they hope they will this off-season. At 30 years of age come the start of 2025, Barrass is in his prime – and if Hawthorn can repeat their form from this year, he could just be the key to becoming a premiership contender. With family on the east coast, all signs point towards now – if ever – being the right time for Barrass to join a second club, and the Eagles to cash in on draft picks (if the price is right).

Verdict: Going. Should be the number one priority of both Hawthorn and the Bulldogs this off-season.

JOSH BATTLE

The first of the several players Hawthorn publicly said they were up for chasing this off-season is still un-signed, with pressure mounting for Battle’s signature at St Kilda. Given the hunt for Barrass has surged rapidly from the Hawks, perhaps he has become less of a priority? It’s hard to tell, but either way Battle would be an excellent asset for a rival club. With the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph reporting that the key defender could be paid as much as $950,000 a year, the lure is well and truly there for him to leave Moorabbin beyond 2024. Where the Hawks prioritise Battle at the start of the trade period will be nothing short of fascinating, and could well determine the futures of other players like Barrass, Bailey Smith and Harry Perryman.

Verdict: Going.That being said, a lot hinges on where Hawthorn prioritise him among other trade targets.

DANIEL RIOLI

Contracted at Tigerland until the end of the 2027 season, Rioli might not have entered this year thinking he might be pondering a departure, but the prospect of a mutual parting of ways is becoming increasingly likely. Nine’s Tom Morris recently reported Rioli is open to a reunion with former coach Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast, stating: “His preference, at this stage, is to play for the Suns in 2025 … the pair (Rioli and Hardwick) remain close, and lived together for a couple of years.” The smooth-mover’s damaging rebounding abilities would undoubtedly bolster the Suns’ transition game, and the familiarity with the coaching staff — including 2017 Richmond premiership player and now-Suns assistant Shaun Grigg — bodes well for the prospective partnership. The 27-year-old is averaging a career-best 4.1 rebound-50s per game and has tallied the third-most bounces in the competition this season, indicating his ability to find space and gain ground coming out of the defensive half.

Verdict: Going. Looks in need of a fresh start, and Gold Coast would be the perfect place.

LIAM BAKER

Deeply pondering his footballing future, Baker seems the likeliest of the on-the-fence Tigers to seek a departure from Punt Road this year. The 26-year-old, capable of playing numerous roles all throughout the field, hasn’t enjoyed his most blistering campaign this year amid Richmond’s struggles — statistically, he has sat at or near most of his career markers — but the former rookie draft selection holds plenty of value as a versatile ‘Mr. Fix-It’. The Subiaco product met with West Coast officials, as well as Fremantle midfielders Caleb Serong and Andy Brayshaw, while recently visiting Western Australia. If the Dockers also seriously pursue Shai Bolton in addition to Baker, the Tigers could end up with all three of Fremantle’s first-round picks this year — which sit at Nos. 8, 13 and 16. On the other hand, the Eagles only have one prospective first-rounder — at No. 3 — and an early second, which could make for more complex negotiations if Baker’s mind is set on Lathlain as a destination.

Verdict: Going. Western Australia-bound, but which club?

SHAI BOLTON

Multiple reports have indicated Bolton’s desire to move home this year, having met with and toured Fremantle’s facilities as he weighs up a trade request. The 25-year-old is contracted through the 2028 season, but taking into consideration Richmond’s rebuilding trajectory — and currently at the height of his mercurial talents — now might be the time for the South Fremantle product to strike. As his 17.5 disposals per game this year remain on par with his career digits, Bolton is unlikely to evolve into a full-time midfielder — but when he goes in for stints, his impact is felt. Already with Hayden Young, Caleb Serong, Andy Brayshaw and the now-complementary Nat Fyfe in tow, the Dockers’ potential addition of Bolton would make a vaunted mix even more potent. The dynamic livewire is the most valuable of this year’s trade-linked Tigers, with the club’s list committee likely eyeing two of Fremantle’s first-round picks in a possible trade.

Verdict: Going.Given the way this has played out so far, when there’s smoke, there’s fire.

HARRY PERRYMAN

The hype around Perryman’s whereabouts in 2025 has cooled in recent weeks, suggesting he now may be more inclined to stay put at the Giants over rival clubs. On the search for more midfield time, the 25-year-old has put together a solid season that has namely caught the eyes of Hawthorn, Adelaide and Port Adelaide. A five-year deal has been offered by the Giants for Perryman, and with on-ball time at the Power and Crows by no means guaranteed, the Hawks might be the best fit. That being said, their hands are already full between at least three other rival players – giving GWS some extra space to keep the Collingullie product.

Verdict: Staying. Expect the SA clubs to come harder the longer it drags out, but the Giants are in a good spot.

JACK GRAHAM

The physical, hard-nosed midfielder has struggled with durability in recent years but presents valuable depth — particularly for an inexperienced, up-and-coming outfit. A South Australian native, Graham toured Port Adelaide’s facilities in 2022 before re-pledging his commitment to Richmond. However, this year, the dual premiership winner appears more likely than ever to depart the club that chose him with Pick 53 in 2016, with Seven’s Ryan Daniels recently reporting Graham “looks set” to call West Coast his new home next season — and he might not end up the only Tiger donning an Eagles guernsey in 2025. As an unrestricted free agent, the 26-year-old can walk to the club of his choice this off-season, with the Tigers anticipated to receive either end-of-first-round or early second round compensation for his departure — with that dependent on the value and length of his deal, as well as his age.

Verdict: Going.After two premierships at Punt Road, the Eagles look to be his second home.

CHAD WARNER

The sudden uncertainty around Sydney’s premiership credentials adds intrigue to this discussion. The Western Australian native has been linked with Fremantle, despite being contracted with the Swans to the end of next season. Warner won’t have free agent rights in 2025 either, meaning — hypothetically — a trade would have to be agreed to in any case. However, even if Warner eventually desires a move back to his home state of Western Australia, it can just about be ruled out for this year, as Sydney remains entrenched in flag contention for at least the next few years — and his contract status means the club has all the leverage.