An intriguing development in the Elliot Yeo trade discussions, an update on North Melbourne midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke’s contract situation and links between Hawthorn and St Kilda defender Josh Battle continue to grow.
Plus, what will the Crows do with their first pick this year?
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YEO TALK COOLS
Despite reports earlier in the week suggesting Elliot Yeo had been tabled a large offer by North Melbourne, Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph told Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle that no conversations between the Roos and Yeo camps have been held as of yet.
“North Melbourne list boss Brady Rawlings has not had one conversation with Yeo’s camp about him moving there,” Ralph said.
“Maybe things might develop in the long-term future, but he’s got massive interest, the three-year deals that are coming from the clubs like Adelaide and maybe St Kilda as well.”
Ralph then gave some insight into the numbers surrounding a possible deal for the reborn Eagle.
“Here’s the deal that would likely get it done. 750k a year for the next two years at West Coast and then a trigger for a third year on games at about 500k, right now West Coast continues to hold out, their deal is not of that scope.
“He wants to stay, his partner’s pregnant, there are family illnesses, and he would love to stay in Perth.
“If West Coast was not to get to that deal and they were to lose him to a desperate club with a free agency war chest, I just think that would be so negligent by them, he wants to stay, get this deal done.”
Yeo’s career resurgence in 2024 has been huge for Adam Simpson’s side.
The 2018 premiership Eagle has managed to get fit, averaging 23.1 disposals, 6.4 tackles and 7.6 clearances a game this year.
All praise for Dusty ahead of his 300th | 05:35
LDU PARKS TALKS
North Melbourne superstar Luke Davies-Uniacke is one of the biggest names in the trade and free agency market right now with the gun midfielder set to become a restricted free agent at the end of 2025.
But he is adamant that his mind is firmly on improving his North Melbourne side, not on contract negotiations.
“I haven’t really thought about contracts as of yet,” Davies-Uniacke told Wide World of Sports.
“I’m just putting all my energy into the playing group. I want to see this club get better and I want to start winning.
“No doubt my manager and the club can be talking next year, I’ve got no doubt they’ll get something done.
“I’m not really in the headspace or really thinking about contracts because that wouldn’t be doing justice to my teammates.
“I’m putting all of my energy and focus into the team right now, I’m loving playing for North, I love rocking up every day to Arden Street.”
Davies-Uniacke was a standout performer for the Roos against West Coast on the weekend, racking up 26 disposals, five tackles and six score involvements in the club’s first win of 2024.
Why has it taken so long to tag? | 02:37
HAWKS LINKS TO BATTLE GROW
Hawthorn are coming hard for St Kilda defender Josh Battle, who is an unrestricted free agent.
“Hawthorn is coming really hard; remember they missed their key defensive priorities last year? Ben McKay chose Essendon and Esava Ratugolea chose Port Adelaide,” Clark said.
“Now they’re setting their sights on Josh Battle.”
Ralph said he would be “worried” if he was the Saints and Clark said the club should try to retain his services.
“St Kilda desperately need to keep Josh Battle, he’s one of their most important players,” Clark said.
“He’s got good relationships at the Saints so it will be interesting to see how that plays out, they’re confident of keeping him in the red, white and black.”
Battle has averaged 17.6 disposals and 7.9 marks in 2024, continuing to shine as one of the game’s premier intercept defenders.
Mediocre drafting exposes ‘boys club’ | 02:35
CROWS TO TRADE TOP PICK?
Adelaide’s 2024 season hasn’t quite panned out how they would have liked, so what’s next for Matthew Nicks’ side?
The Midweek Tackle panel was split as to what the Crows should do with their first draft selection this year, currently pick 4.
Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark believes the Crows should target top end talent through trade and free agency, specifically an inside midfielder.
“They’ve got more pieces to add, there’s no doubt about that. I’m talking about top end talent, they need some more spice in that midfield clearly,” he said.
“When the Clayton Oliver carrot was dangled late last year, they were first in the queue, Errol Gulden was another one, they’re clearly in the market for a big fish midfielder that would help out Dawson and Rankine.”
His colleague Jon Ralph thinks the Crows’ list isn’t that strong and that the best way forward is to attack the draft.
“If you can get Errol Gulden that’s fine, but if you can’t get him, you go back to the draft,” he said.
“If you look at the players who have won Grand Finals for their teams in the last decade, they’re the top five picks.
“They’re not in the top up stage, they need to get an elite inside midfielder. They’ll get Tyler Welsh, son of Scott, who will be in the top 20-30.”
But Clark believes if the Crows can secure ready-made talent with their early selection, they should absolutely take a look at that.
“They’re going to take more time, they nearly made finals last year, if you get a draft pick there’s no guarantees.
“I just don’t think they’re in a position, if they can get some quality with their first pick then I think they entertain that, clearly, they’ve got some salary cap space.
“They were close, another early draft pick and four or five years wait, I don’t know.”
Ralph believes the Crows should look at Essendon’s list management strategy, which has seen the Bombers fly up into third spot on the AFL ladder.
“Look at the Essendon model, you get a top 10 pick and then you go and get some free agents,” Ralph said.
“You don’t give up your very premium picks in an elite draft full of star midfielders which is exactly what they need.”