On the second last day of the AFL Trade Period the playing futures of James Aish and North Melbourne midfielder Ryan Bastinac remained unclear.
On Bastinac
In a Twitter take-over yesterday, List Manager, Peter Schwab confirmed the Lions would not make a direct swap of pick no. 17 to acquire Bastinac.
“No, we are not making a direct swap of 17 for Bastinac”, Schwab said.
“The deal also includes some picks.”
Schwab said Bastinac would provide a good replacement for traded midfielder Jack Redden, having ‘similar experience’.
On Aish
Schwab said the Club were still in discussions with Collingwood over a potential trade deal.
However, the Lions would “need an outcome that is beneficial to our list next year.”
On Whitecross
Schwab confirmed Hawk Brendan Whitecross’ management had been in discussions with the Club – but there – “was no decision as yet.”
What we can expect from today
Afl.com.au's 'Trade Winds' has provided a wrap of the latest trade news this morning, ahead of the final day of trade period:
The Herald Sun is reporting the Lions have told the Kangaroos they're not willing to settle on any trade for Bastinac until the deal with Aish is finalised, leaving the Roos' runner in limbo.
To confuse things even more, North also says it is still interested in grabbing Aish, who has declared Collinwgood his preferred destination.
As reported on afl.com.au on Wednesday, it's expected the Bastinac to the Lions deal will get done early on Thursday, with the midfielder and picks 38 and 40 heading to the Gabba in exchange for pick No. 17.
Trade closes at 2pm (Melbourne time) today.
