Tom Morris' 12 contracted AFL players to keep an eye on in the trade period

The status of a contracted player doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll stay put at their current club.

Channel 9 journalist and SEN regular Tom Morris has provided an update on a dozen contracted players who we should keep an eye on as the 2024 season progresses.

“At this time of the year, whenever you bring up contracted players, clubs invariably say, ‘Well, they’re contracted, they’re not going anywhere’,” Morris said on SEN Breakfast.

“I’ve done a bit of research and from 2018 to 2023 almost 50 per cent of players traded have been under contract. So don’t be fooled by clubs saying they’ve got a deal because often it doesn’t matter.

“What we saw last year was almost every single contracted player who wanted to go ended up moving clubs.”

Caleb Daniel and Jack Macrae (Western Bulldogs)

“Daniel is contracted until the end of 2026, Macrae until the end of 2027.

“I’d just watch them, especially if Macrae can play some midfield time with the Dogs this year. He certainly wants to play more midfield time.”

Rory Lobb (Western Bulldogs)

“He’ll ask for a trade at the end of the year.

“There could be some changes coming at the end of the season with one, two or three of those players.”

Rowan Marshall (St Kilda)

“I’d also keep an eye on Marshall at St Kilda.

“They’re not the most settled environment at the Saints at the moment. Clubs have become aware more recently that Marshall is one of those players that might have a look around if the right deal presents itself.

“There’s a few ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ here, but I’m not saying that about Jack Sinclair or other players.

“Rowan Marshall is just a little bit less settled than others.”

Charlie Cameron (Brisbane)

“Cameron is contracted until the end of 2025, there’s been a bit of noise around him.”

Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melbourne)

“There’s been a lot of noise around him. He’s contracted until the end of next year as well, but I wouldn’t surprised if a club came for him at the end of this year.”

Jack Lukosius (Gold Coast)

“Jack Lukosius, that continues to bubble.

“Just where he fits in Damien Hardwick’s team is really interesting.

“He’s contracted until the end of 2026.”

Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)

“Clayton Oliver is contracted until the end of 2030.

“He’s in the first year of a seven-year deal. My understanding is he’s got full TPP uplift which is in excess of $1.2-1.3 million per year. So he’d need to play some better footy.

“I don’t know whether they can get him to another club or whether he wants to, but I don’t think it’s going to stop clubs from asking the question at the end of the season.”

Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli (Richmond)

“Xander McGuire has reported Shai Bolton who is contracted until the end of 2028.

“Daniel Rioli is very close to (Gold Coast coach) Damien Hardwick, we know that.”

Bobby Hill (Collingwood)

“Bobby Hill, that’s been knocked on the head in the past couple of weeks.

“He’s contracted until the end of 2026 and the Pies are trying to extend him.

“Still one to keep an eye on if they can’t extend him because he is worth more than the money that he’s on.”

Harrison Petty (Melbourne)

“The last one is Harrison Petty who is contracted until the end of 2025.

“I doubt Adelaide will offer what they offered last year to get him, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Crows came after him again.

“It will be interesting to see if Melbourne entertain anything.”