Cal Twomey’s massive trade and contract update on Battle, Baker, Warner, Draper and more

AFL Media’s Cal Twomey joined SEN Breakfast to provide the latest on a number of players.

The likes of Josh Battle, Liam Baker, Tom Barrass, Chad Warner, Sam Draper and many more were on the agenda.

Read his info below:

Josh Battle (St Kilda)

“The Hawks have come hard for him,” said Twomey.

“Melbourne have been chasing him, Collingwood have been linked too given he’s an unrestricted free agent.

“But the Hawks are going hard. My understanding is that there is a six-year offer for Battle from the Hawks.

“St Kilda are also likely to have that six years there to stay. As an unrestricted free agent the Saints can’t match the bid but they would get compensation if he leaves.

“This is the interesting quirk about where this sits at the moment - to be in the Band 1 first-round compensation range, then it would have to be around the $900,000-plus mark.

“The interesting part now is the free agency compensation model this year is expected to include the actual length of deal as a component. This hasn’t been the case before.

“It’s line-ball with Battle and he’s definitely considering it.”

Liam Baker (Richmond)

“We reported on Wednesday that the Eagles have put a long-term offer in front of him now.

“I’d expect that to be around the five-year mark. That will mean he has contract offers from West Coast, Fremantle and Richmond sitting in front of him.

“This happened a couple of years ago and he was pretty close to going at that point to West Coast or Fremantle. Both were in the race then, he obviously turned around and stayed.

“I’m not discounting Freo. The interesting thing is if West Coast do get him - and they are considered the favourites - but how do they actually get it done?”

(Twomey touched on Tom Barrass and how that could impact a possible Baker trade).

Tom Barrass (West Coast)

“Obviously the Tom Barrass situation is ongoing. Barrass has a significant offer in front of him from the Dogs.

“The Dogs aren’t doing that if it isn’t a chance. If Bailey Smith leaves the Dogs for a first-rounder, would the pick be good enough to prise Barrass out? And then could that pick be on-traded for Liam Baker?

“Because the Eagles are currently at Pick 3 or 4 in the draft. Ideally I don’t think they’d want to split that to get the Baker deal done.”

Chad Warner (Sydney)

“Both Fremantle and West Coast have been in direct contact with Warner in recent times.

“Contracted for next year, the hunt is on.

“Obviously both clubs getting their cattle ready for either the end of next year or beyond.

“This has still got a liveliness to it. It’s going to be one of footy’s biggest chases ever, the chase for the Warner signature.

“Both clubs are naturally on the front foot there. But I don’t think there’s a scenario where the Swans would let him go at the end of this year even if he did want to go.

“It’s significant that both clubs have been in contact with him. We’re talking about $1.4-1.5 million a year.”

Noah Balta (Richmond)

“Talks are progressing well. Early discussions but he is a pre-agent, so a free agent next year.

“They’re getting their work done early. Contracted until 2025 but we know how much power these pre-agents have in getting long-term deals before they hit their free agency.

“Talks are underway there and that’s a good thing because he is a key part of their future under Adem Yze.”

Sam Draper (Essendon)

“I think that will be a strong talking point next year because Adelaide will have money and I’m not sure if they’ll get a ruckman on board this year.

“Ned Moyle was a target for them but signed at Gold Coast last year.

“The thinning of the ruck merry-go-round has meant that clubs are looking at a little bit of next year’s group as well.

“Marc Pittonet is being watched at the moment and Ned Reeves at the Hawks is getting some interest.

“I expect Draper to be a significant target for the Crows next year as a free agent. He’s got the South Australian links there.”

Mason Wood (St Kilda)

“Josh Gabelich reporting that he is set for at least a one-year deal, even a chance of two given his standing at the Saints.”

Dyson Heppell (Essendon)

“The veteran at the Bombers told me a couple of days ago that he is keen to go on in 2025 for a 15th season.”

Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melbourne)

“Nothing this year but massive offers next year.”

Logan McDonald (Sydney)

“In play. Swans want to keep him, Fremantle are still in and Collingwood have been linked.

“I think it’s more likely he’ll go to Freo or stay at Sydney.”

Rowan Marshall (St Kilda)

“I don’t see this one as much in play despite some disgruntlement around St Kilda there.

“I think he’s more likely to stay given his contract. I’m not sure what the value would be in moving him on unless it’s a top 10 or very early pick.”