Free agent picks Bombers as Dees list boss demands Petracca suitors ‘pay up’

The Bombers’ general manager of list and recruiting Matt Rosa reiterated Merrett was a “champion of our football club” and confirmed the 30-year-old was a “required player”.

In September, Merrett blindsided the club he captains by meeting with Hawthorn coach Mitchell and Hawks football department boss Rob McCartney.

Rosa said Merrett had not officially requested a trade.

“Again, we’ve been really clear on our position that we won’t be entertaining moving Zach,” he said.

Magpies and Giants emerge as suitors for Oliver

The Giants met with Clayton Oliver on Friday on a boat in the middle of Sydney Harbour and Collingwood has emerged as a suitor for the star onballer who Melbourne suggested look around for a new club.

Collingwood’s general manager of list management Justin Leppitsch, who confirmed they’d received a call from Clayton’s management.

“It’s come in late, hasn’t it? It’s something we want to do our due diligence on, like every player that crosses our desk,” Leppitsch said.

“We want to focus on the deal itself, is that a good thing for our club, is that a good thing for our culture, is it a good fit positionally?

“We go through that with every player we speak to.”

The Magpies have yet to personally meet Oliver.

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Spargo signs with North; Port nab Wehr

Unrestricted free agent Charlie Spargo has signed with North Melbourne, following in his father’s footsteps. Paul Spargo played 81 games for the Kangaroos between 1985 and 1992.

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide signed Giants defender/wingman Jacob Wehr as an unrestricted free agent.

Wehr has played 39 games at the top level since making his debut in 2022, including 15 in 2025.

Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps welcomed Wehr to the club, saying the 27-year-old would provide “experience and depth to our talented midfield group”.

Sydney have eyes on Curnow

Sydney have made securing Carlton’s Charlie Curnow a priority during this trade period.

Curnow told the Blues in an exit meeting he was open to the possibility of leaving the club, despite having four years to run on a lucrative contract that expires after the 2029 season.

Sydney list manager Chris Keane said the Swans was yet to canvass with their own players the possibility of them being involved in a trade to Carlton.

The Swans also need to work on acquiring Jai Serong in a trade from Hawthorn after the key defender nominated Sydney as his club of choice in this year’s trade period.

In an open letter, coach Chris Fagan said he had never forgotten the sacrifice McInerney had made during last year’s grand final. The ruckman dislocated his shoulder a week earlier in the preliminary final and had to miss the season decider.

“The next week on grand final day you sat on the interchange bench, constantly offering encouragement and advice to your teammates as they came on and off the field,” Fagan wrote.

“When the siren sounded and we won the game, your happiness for your teammates was unbridled and incredibly genuine. No sadness because you missed out, just pure unadulterated joy and excitement for your mates. It’s an image and moment I will never forget.”

McInerney joins Callum Ah Chee (Adelaide) and Brandon Starcevich (West Coast) as Lions premiership players who won’t be at the club next season.

“All I’ll say is, Christian is a contracted superstar of our club and the competition,” Lamb said.

“He’s a modern-day great. He’s already had a Hall of Fame career. He’s a legend of our footy club, so if someone wants him, come and talk to us – and pay up.”

Lamb said the discussion with Oliver about the expectations on his role next year was “really honest” but that he would not “describe it as heated at all”.

He was also clear that the meeting with Oliver’s management at Connors Sports’ office was not about any off-field matters.

“[Oliver] had a nice trip on a boat up with the Giants – it looked like a good afternoon – and I think there are some other clubs showing some interest, but we’ll work through that,” Lamb said.