Trade news is already heating up only two days from the last Saturday in September, and it's Gold Coast's Mabior Chol, who's fallen out of favour at his club, who has a big decision to make.
The ex-Tiger only managed eight senior games in 2023 despite playing every game in his debut season in Queensland.
Although not playing at senior level, Chol's talents were displayed in the VFL all season. The 26-year-old booted 40 goals in 16 games for his side, including four in a grand final to see the Suns win their first piece of silverware since the club's inception.
With new coach Damien Hardwick at the helm, it seems as though Chol's short tenure at the Suns might already be up. He struggled to get a game at the Tigers' under 'Dimma' which could act as a warning sign for the key forward.
Speaking on SEN Breakfast, reporter Tom Morris provided an update on Chol's current situation.
"He (Chol) met with Hawthorn and North last week and also Adelaide. Now the Crows came to Melbourne to see him," said Morris.
"Adelaide have a three-year deal for him, North and Hawthorn might have a three-year deal for him, there might have been a four-year deal for him as well, of course he's got two years left at the Gold Coast Suns."
The Crows' interest in Chol stems from their need for a key forward as they look towards life without Taylor Walker. Developing talls Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty have shown glimpses but are yet to put a consistent campaign together. Chol, a proven forward in the VFL, could alleviate some of the pressure on the duo and provide an extra option for the Crows' selection team.
Hawthorn and North are both looking for a tall forward target and a possible second ruck option. The Hawks are set to lose Jacob Koschitzke after the 23-year-old requested a trade to Tigerland, whilst Todd Goldstein is exploring his options and moving away from Arden Street.
The Brisbane Lions previously expressed interest in Chol, but as reported by Morris, it seems they've moved on.
"I'm not sure Brisbane's interest in him is that strong anymore. I really think it's Hawthorn, North or Adelaide which he's got to choose, he's probably got to choose this week where he wants to be traded to, and the Gold Coast Suns will facilitate that.
"It's an interesting one with Mabior Chol seeing as he's only been at the Suns for a couple of years, but I expect that decision to come this week."
The 2023 trade period is set to open next Monday and will run until Wednesday, October 18.
