The views in this article are those of the author and not those of the AFL or its clubs.
North Melbourne will not always confirm or deny trade rumours and the details relating to the club in this article have not been approved or ratified by it.
The AFL could get in the way of Buddy's move to Sydney, Eddie Betts still deciding between Adelaide and North Melbourne, and Mitch Robinson may be on the move.
AFL could block Buddy move
One major roadblock to getting Lance Franklin to the Sydney Swans may be the AFL.
While the two-time Hawks premiership free agent is keen to take up the offer – believed to be a staggering nine years and $10 million dollars – the league is considering vetoing it.
The AFL is concerned the length of the deal may cripple the Swans if Franklin retires or is delisted early, with the club forced to pay out the remainder of the contract in one lump sum.
Best Betts on Crows or Roos
Eddie Betts could yet be the first free agent to fall, with Adelaide in the box seat for the Carlton small forward.
Betts' manager Ned Guy told SEN although the Crows lead the race for Betts' services, North Melbourne was still in the hunt, while he could also yet remain at Carlton.
Guy said money and a good playing environment were the main factors, with a decision expected not long after the Gillette Trade and Free Agency Period begins on Friday.
Robinson has the Power
Carlton's Mitch Robinson has emerged as a potential back-up plan for Port Adelaide during the trade period as it searches for more midfield depth.
The Adelaide Advertiser reports that while Richmond's Matt White and Brisbane Lion Jared Polec are the priorities, if either fell through, Robinson would be a likely target.
Port football operations chief Peter Rohde said he expected Robinson to be "shopped" to Alberton next week, but a deal would be tricky as the midfielder has another year left on his contract.
Other news
Richmond free agent Luke McGuane hopes to remain at Punt Road but is yet to be offered a contract.
The Tigers are interested in recruiting Carlton ruck/forward Shaun Hampson, reports The Age. GWS have also informed the Blues they are keen on the 201cm giant.
There is almost no chance Heath Shaw will be at Collingwood next season, with his manager Ben Niall confirming to AFL.com.au's Gillett Trade Radio the defender was likely to leave the Magpies.
Brisbane Lions' Elliot Yeo appears closer to getting his wish of a return to Western Australia. Yeo's manager Colin Young told AFL.com.au he expected West Coast to contact the Lions shortly to discuss a possible trade.
