AFL Trade Whispers: Hamling Eyes Fifth Club, Bombers Face List Decisions
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Melbourne, Australia – August 20, 2025 – The Australian football League (AFL) is bracing for a dynamic off-season as player movement speculation intensifies.A premiership player is possibly on the move to a fifth AFL club, while several Essendon players face an uncertain future with contract negotiations stalled.
Sydney Defender Considering GWS Move
Sydney Swans depth defender Joel Hamling is attracting interest from the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants ahead of the upcoming trade period.According to AFL media’s Josh Gabelich , the Giants are evaluating Hamling, 32, as a potential reinforcement for their defensive line following the expected departure of intercept defender Leek Aleer in october.
Hamling, an unrestricted free agent, has featured in 14 senior matches this season, marking his highest game tally since playing 22 games for the Fremantle Dockers in 2019. despite his increased playing time, he remains behind established key defenders Dane rampe, Tom McCartin, and Lewis Melican in the Swans’ pecking order, with Nick Blakey also providing versatility in the backline.
The Giants’ interest stems from injuries sustained by key defenders Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley earlier in the season, highlighting a need for defensive depth. Hamling’s extensive experience-having been drafted by Geelong in 2011, winning a premiership with the Western Bulldogs in 2016, spending six seasons with Fremantle, and joining the Swans in 2024-makes him an attractive option.
Did You Know? Joel Hamling would become only the fourth player in AFL history to represent five diffrent clubs if he joins the Giants.
Gabelich also reported that Essendon’s Jayden Laverde, Hawthorn’s Sam Frost, and Richmond’s Jacob Koschitzke are also on the Giants’ radar as they assess potential additions to their list.
Bombers’ Contract Conundrums
Three young Essendon players-defender jaxon Prior and forwards Ben Hobbs and Luamon Lual-are currently without contract offers for the 2026 season, creating uncertainty around their futures at the club.
Hobbs, 21, a first-round draft pick in 2021, has played 18 senior games this year and a total of 65 games across four seasons with the Bombers. As a non-free agent, any potential move would require a trade or selection in the national draft. Journalist Callum Twomey noted, “Clubs are aware (Hobbs) hasn’t received an offer and is definitely gettable.”
“I’m not sure if he gets a new deal at the Bombers – I think that’s still to be worked out in coming weeks,” twomey added. “Like a couple of midfielders there, it’s very uncertain on what the future holds for these guys. It’s not a good time to be out of contract at the Bombers, as there are so many list changes that have to happen.”
Prior, in his debut season with Essendon after being signed as a delisted free agent from Brisbane, has impressively played every game (21) this year, fulfilling a crucial mid-sized stopper role under coach Brad Scott.Co-host Riley Beveridge highlighted that Luamon Lual has also yet to receive a contract extension.
Lual, 20, has quickly become a valuable asset for the Bombers, playing every game since his debut in round 13. Given his promising performances, it would be surprising if the club did not offer him a new deal.
Pro Tip: AFL clubs often delay contract offers to assess player performance and available salary cap space closer to the trade period.
What impact will these potential player movements have on team dynamics next season? And how will Essendon navigate its list management challenges?
| Player | Age | Current Club | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Hamling | 32 | sydney Swans | Unrestricted Free Agent |
| Jaxon Prior | N/A | Essendon | Unsigned for 2026 |
| Ben Hobbs | 21 | Essendon | Unsigned for 2026 |
| Luamon Lual | 20 | Essendon | Unsigned for 2026 |
The AFL trade period, typically held in October, is a crucial time for clubs to reshape their lists and address key areas of need. Strategic list management is paramount for sustained success in the highly competitive AFL landscape. The increasing prevalence of free agency and the draft system have created a complex player movement ecosystem, requiring clubs to be proactive and adaptable. The impact of injuries and the emergence of young talent also play a significant role in shaping trade strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions about AFL Trades
- What is a delisted free agent? A player who is not offered a contract by their current club and is then free to join another club without going through the draft.
- What is the AFL trade period? A designated period where clubs can trade players with each other.
- What is a non-free agent? A player who is not eligible for free agency and requires a trade or draft selection to move clubs.
- How does the AFL draft work? Clubs select players from a pool of eligible players based on a predetermined order.
- What is the salary cap in the AFL? A limit on the total amount of money a club can spend on player salaries.
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