As the 2024 AFL trade period reached a frantic close, renowned player manager Paul Connors offered a behind-the-scenes look at a week he described as “harder than I've ever experienced.”
Reflecting on the frenzied environment of final-day deals and the mounting pressure on clubs and agents alike, Connors painted a picture of the high-stakes negotiations that went down to the wire.
“It was a really intense week,” Connors shared on SEN following the deadline's culmination.
"It was stressful, and we're really glad it's over."
The Bailey Smith trade to Geelong epitomised the last-minute drama that defined this year's trade period.
Smith's move was part of a complex four-team deal that also saw Jack Macrae head to St Kilda and Matt Kennedy join the Western Bulldogs.
With Bulldogs list manager Sam Power simultaneously managing moves for Caleb Daniel and Kennedy, Connors noted that “Sam had a lot going on,” forcing him to time his negotiations carefully.
“The time came where I needed to ask Geelong to see what they could do with a bit extra from Pick 17,” Connors added, underscoring the delicate balance required to keep all parties satisfied.
The trade period also saw a noticeable shift in power dynamics, according to Connors, with clubs taking a firmer stance on contracted players.
“Clubs have taken the power back a bit,” he observed.
“Especially if you're contracted. They were tougher to deal with.”
While not a client of his, Connors also shared his thoughts on Dan Houston, whose move to Collingwood materialised through a three-team deal involving Gold Coast.
Despite initial pushback from the Power, who reportedly hoped for a better return, Connors maintained that there was “no better offer” available for Houston.
He praised Houston's openness during the negotiations, sharing that he “didn't box Port Adelaide into a corner,” a stance that allowed more flexibility and ultimately benefited both parties.
As Connors wrapped up his most challenging trade period to date, he hinted at the potential need for adjustments to the trade structure.
“Maybe [it could be organised better], but this is probably the first year I've thought that,” he admitted.
With clubs often initiating their trade plans as soon as their season concludes, Connors noted that “for us, the trade period started a long time ago.”
The focus for player stable such as Paul Connors' will soon shift to the 2025 trade period, with big fish such as Chad Warner already drawing headlines about a potential move.
Demon stars Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, also represented by Connors, are sure to feature prominently in discussions as 2025 looms.
