AFL Trade Whispers: Silvagni vs. Mihocek at collingwood, Fiorini Contract Talks, Rosas Attracts interest
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – August 23, 2024 – Collingwood is facing a key decision regarding its forward line, weighing the potential acquisition of Adelaide Crows defender Jake Silvagni against re-signing current forward Jamie Mihocek. The situation has ignited debate among AFL analysts, wiht a focus on age and long-term potential.
Mihocek, 32, has been offered only a one-year contract extension by the Magpies, signaling the club’s consideration of alternative options. silvagni, 27, is recovering from a knee injury sustained in Round 4, 2024, which required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the season. He is expected to be fully fit for the start of the 2025 pre-season.
Collingwood legend Tony Shaw believes the Pies should prioritize securing Silvagni, citing the age difference and Silvagni’s defensive capabilities. “if they can keep Mihocek and get Silvagni, that’d be brilliant. Mihocek is a really good player, not a superstar. But if someone wants to give him a two or three-year deal at 32, good luck to you,” Shaw told foxfooty.com.au. Shaw highlighted the risk of injury for older players, especially with key defensive players Jeremy Howe (34) and Darcy Moore (29) also approaching the latter stages of their careers.
Silvagni, before his injury, was consistently ranked among the league’s top one-on-one defenders, averaging 7.8 one-on-one contests per game with a 62% win rate in 2024, according to Champion Data.Mihocek has kicked 35 goals in 18 games this season, averaging 1.94 goals per game.
Gold Coast Suns Contract and Interest Updates
The Gold Coast Suns have begun negotiations with midfielder Brayden Fiorini, 27, regarding a contract extension beyond his current deal which expires at the end of 2025.Fiorini has impressed since returning to the senior team in Round 9, averaging 28 disposals over his last three games, including a 32-disposal performance against Greater Western Sydney in round 21. The Suns are currently 9-11 and pushing for their first-ever finals appearance.
Meanwhile, small forward Malcolm Rosas, 24, is attracting interest from several clubs, including Richmond and Sydney. Rosas has played only three senior games this season, last appearing in the AFL side in Round 11. He has played a key role in the VFL, kicking 18 goals in 10 games.
The Suns hold picks 5, 11, and 19 in the 2024 National Draft, but are also keen to add to their draft capital, particularly with potential bids for academy prospects Zeke Uwland (Brisbane Academy) and Dylan Patterson (Gold Coast Academy), both projected to be top-five selections in the 2025 draft. Uwland is a 193cm key defender from Brisbane Boys College, while Patterson is a versatile tall forward from Southport State High School.