Player moves, deals, pick trades and more with Charlie Curnow, Zach Merrett, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver in the mix for new clubs
UPDATED: Leek Aleer’s potential return to GWS following St Kilda’s stunning backflip yesterday is not as simple as it seems.
A “shattered” Aleer woke up to life-changing news in Barcelona after previously requesting a trade to the Saints to accept a four-year deal worth $700,000 per year.
Conor Stone is pursuing football in 2024.Credit: Getty Images
The Giants are happy to bring the 24-year-old defenseman back to the club, but given the league’s roster rules, they’ll need to make some realignments to accommodate him. There is also a possibility that another team will emerge as a suitor for Aleer.
AFL clubs may have 36 to 38 players on their main lists, with GWS already at 35 before trading for Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver or potentially re-signing Aleer.
The challenge for the Giants is that they have to land at least three national draft picks, so Oliver’s arrival will mean something – at the very least – has to give.
GWS had previously told utility man Conor Stone, who is contracted for next season, that they could delist him with the idea of ​​repurposing him as a rookie; two sources familiar with this discussion told this imprint on condition of anonymity.
Stone, 23, re-signed a two-season contract in October last year after Essendon expressed interest in him.
One of those sources said the 20-yarder will play for the Giants next season.
Unless they potentially trade a player or two in the Oliver deal, GWS may need to delist Stone and a second player if Aleer re-signs.
Former Bomber Jayden Laverde will join the Giants but will not be on the primary roster as he will be on the rookie list.
