The AFL's trade period does not begin for another month, but there's been plenty of speculation about players being linked to the Hyundai Centre. Lions.com.au takes a look at the latest AFL Trade Whispers and what the game's reporters have had to say.
See the Lions’ past trade history here.
Jarrad Jansen
It emerged on Monday that Geelong youngster Jarrad Jansen requested a trade to the Lions, citing a desire for more playing opportunities.
Drafted from East Fremantle at No.36 in the 2013 AFL Draft, the 20-year old is out of contract following a promising second season for the Falcons in the VFL.
Lions recruiting boss Peter Schwab confirmed to afl.com.au's Mitch Cleary, the big-bodied, 192cm midfielder, was keen to head North.
"We've been tracking his progress this year and he's developed nicely.
"He's been at a great club and he's a young guy looking for an opportunity. We hope we can give him that opportunity to develop in our midfield," Schwab said.
Tom Bell
Carlton's Tom Bell has been linked to the Lions since mid-August.
The 21-year-old, recruited from Morningside, is understood to be looking to continue his career back in his home state.
"We'll probably have a couple of players in the next few weeks that we'll announce will come and join us," Lions CEO Greg Swann told SEN on Saturday.
"Tommy Bell, we think will maybe make a request to come home, but he's contracted."
Sam Grimley
FoxSports Adam Baldwin and Riley Beveridge suggested on Monday that Hawthorn rookie Sam Grimley, who will represent Box Hill in this weekend's VFL Grand Final, has also been linked to the Lions.
Grimley has spent six years on Hawthorn's list, but has made only three senior appearances, his last in 2013.
The 24-year-old is a back-to-back winner of the Jim 'Frosty' Miller Medal, for the VFL's highest goal-kicker; having booted 80 goals in the past two seasons and at 199cm tall could prove an ideal target in the Lions' forward line.
Other players publicly linked with the Lions include…
Recent reports have also linked Collingwood's Paul Seedsman, Hawthorn's Matthew Suckling and Richmond's David Astbury with moves to the Lions.
Opposition clubs chase Lions
Out-of-contract ruckman Matthew Leuenberger will exercise his free agency rights.
"He's met with Sydney and he's had a chat with Essendon," Swann confirmed on SEN on Saturday. "He's got a few chasing him, but it's out of our control. He can do what he likes."
Meanwhile youngster James Aish is yet to indicate his future playing intentions to the Lions.
FoxSports reported Collingwood was understood be interested in the 19-year old who was pick seven in the 2013 Draft, but has not discussed trade options with Brisbane.
"James hasn't said anything. He came to our best and fairest, he went to Mad Monday, he came and got his program for the off-season," Swann said.
"At the minute, we're not sure what James is doing. I think he's genuinely still weighing up what he wants to do. We may have misread that, because he didn't re-sign, we automatically assumed he was going.
"In having some discussions with him, I think he's still considering the options he's got and we're hopeful he'll stay."
Reports have also suggested Jack Redden (who has requested a trade), Sam Mayes and Stefan Martin may also be on the move. All are contracted.
Key Dates 2015 NAB AFL Trade and Draft Period:
Friday October 9 - NAB AFL restricted free agency offer and unrestricted free agency period begins
Monday October 12, 10am - NAB AFL Trade Period begins
Sunday October 18, 5pm - Close of NAB AFL restricted free agency offer and unrestricted free agency period
Wednesday October 21 - NAB AFL restricted free agency matching offer three-day period ends
Thursday October 22, 2pm – NAB AFL Trade Period closes
All times AEDT. Dates are indicative only.
