The 2026 trade period focus is currently on the likes of stars such as Lachie Neale, Zak Butters and Ben King, but is there a bargain buy lurking in the VFL?
Geelong's Mitch Knevitt has shown promise at AFL level, playing 22 games across five seasons in a variety of roles. But never quite cemented his place in a high-quality lineup.
In the VFL, Knevitt is clearly a class above the rest and standing at 193 cm, he is the perfect big-bodied midfielder waiting for an opposition club to snap him up.
A native of the Surf Coast, Knevitt arrived at Geelong with pick 25 in the 2021 national draft, and while he would likely love to carve out the rest of his career in the blue and white hoops, he has only played one game at AFL level in 2026, which was in the Opening Round.
Knevitt is out of contract at the end of the season, and perhaps a change of allegiance can unlock his potential as a footballer.
The 23-year-old has been dominant at VFL level this season, averaging 27.2 disposals, 5.5 clearances and 4.5 tackles a match while nearly kicking a goal-a-game as well.
On Friday, Knevitt destroyed Frankston on its home deck in a 52-point Geelong win.
He collected 30 disposals and booted three goals as he proved to onlookers that he belongs in an AFL engine room.
But what club would go for him?
Would a Richmond, devoid of quality players in that 23-25-year-old age bracket, be keen to get Knevitt across to help a young midfield brigade of Sam Lalor, Taj Hotton, Josh Smillie and more?
Out west, Andrew McQualter's West Coast Eagles would surely be keen to add someone of Knevitt's size, age and talent to strengthen the midfield mix of number one picks Harley Reid and Willem Duursma.
St Kilda seems to be in the market for any big-money player, but could a bargain like Knevitt help the Saints gain the relevancy they so desire?
Knevitt has seven more rounds and the finals to prove his worth to Geelong. A club that does not often let talent slip through its fingers.
But Knevitt should, if he isn't already, be scanning one eye across the competition, looking for a club where he can become a consistent and impactful first-grade midfielder next year.
