AFL trade news: Rival teams are “strongly pursuing” an in-form Eagles star.
It will be difficult for West Coast to hold onto a premiership-caliber midfield player.
Elliot Yeo, a star Eagle who is unsigned through the 2024 season, is expected to raise his asking price as talks move forward because he is back to full strength at the beginning of the new season.
Yeo agreed to a five-year contract with West Coast in late 2017; he would add a term in 2022, which would allow him to leave the team this year.
He has only participated in 91 games under Adam Simpson during that time due to multiple injury setbacks and concerns over the previous few seasons.
Yeo, who made his Round 1 comeback this year for the first time since the 2020 campaign, has reverted to the form that won him two All-Australian selections, two best and fairest awards, and an Eagles premiership.
Yeo’s explosive start to 2024—he currently sits fourth in the AFLCA voting—has encouraged the West Coast, but several opponents are reportedly pursuing him in advance of his impending contract call-up.
As the midfielder is eligible for free age
If Yeo were to choose to leave the team he joined from Brisbane in 2013, West Coast would probably still be compensated for his loss due to free agency.
Yeo would be a good target for teams looking to bolster their midfield and contend for the finals; St Kilda, Adelaide, Geelong, and Collingwood are among the teams that may be expressing interest.
Yeo may receive sizable offers from interested teams if he can maintain his fitness and form, and the Eagles will have to decide whether to re-sign the local onballer or look to bolster their draft pick.
ncy this year, clubs are’strongly pursuing’ Yeo’s signature, according to AFL.com.au.
According to the report, despite his contract status, the 30-year-old was being pursued by both Essendon and Geelong last year. The clubs most likely expressed interest in him when the Eagles
Yeo has also shown himself to be a valuable mentor to Harley Reid, the team’s top pick, who is a key component of their long-term strategy.
In addition, the Eagles will have unrestricted free agents in 2024 in Liam Duggan, Andrew Gaff, Josh Rotham, Jamaine Jones, and Zane Trew. Those without contracts after this season include Jai Culley, Alex Witherden, and Harry Barnett.
