Contracted Gold Coast utility Sam Flanders has reportedly emerged as a "trade target" for Victorian clubs this year.
Flanders is signed to the Queensland club until the end of 2027, having penned a four-year extension at the end of 2023 after strong interest from his home state.
Last year saw Flanders enjoy a career-best campaign, with the Gippsland product flourishing with a balance of midfield and defensive roles, leading to a podium finish in the club's best and fairest count and averages of 30.91 disposals, 3.64 clearances, 5.55 marks and 9.14 contested possessions - all career highs.
This year, he has found himself more forward of the ball, mostly due to the arrival of half-backs Dan Rioli and John Noble, while Noah Anderson, Matthew Rowell and Touk Miller lead the engine room pecking order.
Flanders has had more than 25 disposals in a game just once this year - his first game of the season in Round 3 against Melbourne, with his most recent appearance against Geelong seeing the Suns star amass just seven disposals and no clearances for the first time this year.
Flanders' situation at Carrara has reportedly piqued the interest of Victoria clubs, withย 9 News'ย Tom Morris reporting the Gold Coast utility has emerged as "a big watch" for this year's trade space.
Morris has suggested rivals could 'turn Flanders' head' with better roles and big money deals.
Sam Flanders is a big watch for the back half of the season.
Heโs emerged as a trade target for Victorian clubs, who believe they could turn his head with more midfield time and big cash ๐ฐ.
Contracted until 2027, the Suns position is heโs not up for trade. But this wonโt stopโฆ
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) June 12, 2025
The report also states the Suns won't be willing to put Flanders up for a trade, instead holding the former first-round pick to his contract.
Prior to Flanders' re-signing two years ago, St Kilda were named as a club interested in the services of the ball-winner.
Clubs keen on luring the 23-year-old would likely stump up first-round draft capital, with any deal needing to appease Gold Coast given Flanders' contract status.
Flanders has played 77 games for the Suns since joining the club in 2019, and has played 11 straight games under coach Damien Hardwick since returning from a back injury that delayed his campaign.
