As the conclusion to the 2023 AFL home and away season approaches, the talk surrounding trade and free agency is ramping up. With multiple big-name free agents still unsigned, there are plenty of decisions to be made by both clubs and players alike.
Essendon have been linked with North Melbourne key defender Ben McKay for most of the season, however, a likely re-signing of midfielder Darcy Parish could make that move difficult. Port Adelaide forward Mitch Georgiades, who isn't eligible for free agency, has garnered interest from his home state Western Australia and links to multiple Victorian clubs could see the 21-year-old on the move.
Geelong have still not offered key defender Esava Ratugolea a new deal despite playing at a consistent level for his side. The 25-year-old has been linked with Port Adelaide once again after being a target for the club at the end of 2022.
Speaking on SEN Breakfast on Monday morning, reporter Tom Morris provided an update on trade and contract situations surrounding both Parish and Georgiades, with several clubs set to be impacted by their decisions.
Morris has reported that Essendon's Darcy Parish has "a long-term deal to consider that would make him a Don for life".
"Rival clubs believe he will stay, but there is clearly a hold up on contractual details," said Morris
"Essendon is supremely confident he's not going anywhere. We will see if it plays out that way."
With the possible re-signing of Parish, the possibility of luring North Melbourne defender McKay becomes a bit more difficult. The rumour mill was brewing with the belief that Parish might move on through free agency, having been linked with Geelong earlier this year. The Dons would have been compensated for the loss, which could've aided them in inking the Roo if North Melbourne were to match the offer.
Losing Parish through free agency would see the Bombers' draft compensation impacted if they were to acquire McKay through the same mechanism.
Meanwhile, Georgiades has reportedly been offered a long-term deal from Port Adelaide, however, he "still hasn't made a decision on his future". The deal would see the key forward remain at the Power until the end of 2027 and take him through to free agency.
Morris reported back in May that Georgiades was wanting to stay in Alberton but only if senior footy was guaranteed. With rival clubs from WA and Victoria keeping an eye on the forward all year, the key forward has an important decision to make.
Port Adelaide's skipper Tom Jonas is also facing an uncertain future as the Power try to lure Esava Ratugolea. Port Adelaide have been linked with the Cats tall for the last two years and it seems he may be on the move as he hasn't been offered a new deal as of yet. The Cats have made plenty of re-signings, but Ratugolea still remains without a contract despite being a required player.
Jonas has been in and out of the squad in 2023 despite being the club's captain. After only managing 11 senior games so far this season due to form, the defender could head into free agency or look to life after footy.
Port Adelaide also have decisions to make regarding the futures of Travis Boak, Kane Farrell and Charlie Dixon as they also remain without a contract.
