The AFL trade and free agency landscape is shifting beneath the feet of several Victorian powerhouses, as the hunt for elite key forwards and midfield stars intensifies. For clubs like Carlton and Collingwood, the quest to solidify their spines is no longer just about scouting—it is about navigating complex contract disputes and the fragile timing of coaching transitions.
While the premiership season continues to unfold, the whispers from the corridors of power suggest a volatile period ahead. From a bold approach by the Blues for a Sydney standout to the Magpies recalibrating their targets after a likely dead-end in the Gold Coast, the chess pieces are moving early. At the center of these maneuvers is a recurring theme: the desperation for reliable targets in an era where versatile forwards are the league’s most precious currency.
These movements reflect a broader trend across the competition, where unrestricted free agency has become the primary lever for list rejuvenation. As players weigh the allure of home-state returns against the security of long-term extensions, the clubs are forced to pivot quickly, often shifting their entire off-season strategy based on a single phone call or a leaked contract negotiation.
Carlton’s gamble on Joel Amartey
Carlton has emerged as a serious suitor for Sydney Swans forward Joel Amartey, marking a significant attempt by the Blues to bolster their attacking depth. Amartey, an unrestricted free agent, has become a focal point of interest as reports suggest he and the Swans are “particularly far apart” regarding the terms of a new deal, specifically concerning contract length and remuneration.
The interest is not merely speculative. According to Jon Ralph of Midweek Tackle, speaking on Fox Footy’s On the Couch, the Blues have already made a formal approach. Amartey has proven his reliability this season, appearing in every game and booting 21 goals, providing a level of consistency that Carlton is eager to integrate into their forward line.
However, the pursuit of Amartey is inextricably linked to the stability of Carlton’s leadership. Ralph highlighted a critical tension within the club, noting that the greatest challenge for the Blues is managing the transition of the coaching role. The report suggests that finding a new coach before the finals campaign begins is paramount, as a settled vision would provide the necessary leverage to convince Amartey to move to Princes Park.
For the Blues, the need for a consistent target is evident. While Mitch McGovern currently leads the club’s goalkicking with 19.6 through nine games, the reliance on a few key pillars is a vulnerability. Harry McKay, normally the focal point, currently sits third in the tally with 11 majors, trailing behind Brodie Kemp’s 14. Adding a 26-year-old in his prime like Amartey—a former Sandringham Dragons product—could provide the structural support needed to turn Carlton from a contender into a champion.
Collingwood pivots away from Ben King
While Carlton is pushing forward, Collingwood is stepping back. The Magpies are reportedly moving on from their pursuit of Gold Coast Suns star Ben King, signaling a shift in strategy for Craig McRae’s side.
According to Seven’s Mitch Cleary, the prevailing belief within club circles is that King is on the verge of signing a two-year extension with the Suns. Such a deal would keep the Victorian-born forward at Carrara until 2028, at which point he would again become an unrestricted free agent. For Collingwood, a club that has struggled offensively this season, the prospect of King returning to his home state was a primary objective, but the likelihood of a Suns commitment has forced a change in direction.
The Magpies are not abandoning their search for a key forward, but they are diversifying their targets. With Ben King likely off the table, the club’s focus is expected to shift toward other available tall targets who could provide an immediate impact. Two names have surfaced as potential alternatives:
- Jed Walter: The Gold Coast forward remains unsigned, though he has struggled to break into Damien Hardwick’s preferred tall combination of King, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, and Ethan Read.
- Mitch Lewis: The Hawthorn forward has yet to commence contract talks, and Cleary noted as early as April that Lewis could become a primary target if the Ben King pursuit failed.
| Player | Current Club | Primary Suitor | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Amartey | Sydney Swans | Carlton | Contract dispute with Swans |
| Ben King | Gold Coast Suns | Collingwood | Likely 2-year Suns extension |
| Mitch Lewis | Hawthorn | Collingwood | Contract talks pending |
| Jed Walter | Gold Coast Suns | Collingwood | Unsigned/Out of favor |
The Zak Butters sweepstakes
While the forwards are being shuffled, the midfield battle for Zak Butters is reaching a point of clarity—albeit a disappointing one for Melbourne. Coach Steven King has admitted that the race for the Port Adelaide star may have already been decided, suggesting that the Demons are unlikely to be the successful party.
Speaking on SEN, King conceded that while Melbourne would “love” to bring Butters into the fold, the reality of the market suggests the player’s preferences are already established. “From what you hear, I think it’s down to a couple, and we might not be part of that discussion,” King said, adding that the situation had likely “played out a year or so in advance already.”
Despite the coach’s resignation, Melbourne has continued “work behind the scenes” to ensure the club remains a viable option. However, the industry consensus points toward the Western Bulldogs and Geelong as the overwhelming frontrunners. Butters represents the kind of high-impact, aggressive midfield play that both the Bulldogs and Cats are keen to integrate as they look to refine their engines for the next phase of their respective windows.
For Melbourne, the admission from Steven King is a candid look at the difficulties of attracting elite talent when a player’s mind is already made up. It underscores the importance of early engagement in the modern AFL trade era, where “the work” often happens long before the official trade period opens.
The next critical checkpoint for these storylines will be the conclusion of the current round of matches and the subsequent updates on contract negotiations at Sydney and Gold Coast. Specifically, any official announcement regarding Ben King’s extension will trigger an immediate move by Collingwood toward their secondary targets.
Do you think Carlton can lure Amartey away from the Swans without a settled coach in place? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
