The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs.
The NAB AFL Trade Period is expected to reach a crescendo on Thursday with a series of high-profile deals yet to be sealed on what should be a frantic final day of negotiations.
A relatively quiet Wednesday's trading only resulted in two deals being struck as former Docker Harley Balic moved to Melbourne and ex-Crow Harrison Wigg relocated to Gold Coast in exchange for draft picks.
Ahead of Thursday's 2pm AEDT deadline, Bryce Gibbs, Jake Stringer, Gary Ablett, Lachie Weller, Charlie Cameron, Matthew Kennedy, Nathan Wilson, Josh Schache, Aaron Young, Darcy Lang, Brandon Matera, Logan Austin and Luke Hodge are among those players hoping to secure new AFL homes.
Stringer's VFL vow
Wantaway Bulldogs premiership player Jake Stringer would be prepared to spend next season playing for the Dogs' VFL team if the club refuses to trade him, according to News Corp.
Talks between the Bulldogs and Stringer's preferred destination Essendon have stalled, with West Coast refusing to agree to a side deal with the Dogs.
The Bombers' final offer is picks No.25 and No.30, which the Bulldogs had hoped the Eagles would agree to take in exchange for their pick No.13, but the Eagles haven't yet come to the party.
Fox Sports believes at least two other clubs, the main one being Geelong, could make late runs for Stringer.
The disillusioned Stringer, who was put up for trade and was publicly criticised by the Dogs for his unprofessional approach, doesn't want to return to Whitten Oval.
Regardless of whether Stringer gets to Essendon, former Bombers chairman Paul Little believes the recruitment of ex-Giant Devon Smith and former Sun Adam Saad would help take the club to the "next level".
"We have now, I think, a record membership and what appears to be a real shift in these potentially really key players wanting to be a part of the Essendon story," Little told News Limited.
"I think Essendon supporters and members are justified in feeling excited and are enjoying the euphoria of what has been a really good year on and off the field."
Blues and Crows get picky over Gibbs
ZThe deal that would have made Blues star Bryce Gibbs a Crow failed on Wednesday afternoon because Carlton attempted to add Adelaide's future second-round pick to the trade at the last minute, Fairfax Media reports.
As AFL.com.au revealed, after there were reports that a deal had been brokered, Crows list manager Justin Reid spent 30 minutes in the foyer at AFL House late on Wednesday but the Blues didn't appear and the deal was off again.
The Crows were reportedly angry about Carlton's actions, but the Blues were adamant that the future second-round pick was always meant to be included in the trade.
Fairfax Media also reports that negotiations for South Australian Gibbs started on Tuesday night at the initiation of Carlton.
Dockers knock back big Suns offer
Fremantle has rejected an offer from Gold Coast for young gun Lachie Weller that included three draft picks in the 20s and forward Brandon Matera, Melbourne radio station SEN reports.
The Suns' proposed trade package reportedly included picks 21, 24 and 26, along with West Australian Matera.
However, the Dockers remained steadfast in demanding a top-four pick for the talented 21-year-old, who has played 47 games and is contracted for next year.
Weller wants to return home to the Gold Coast, which is also the hometown of his girlfriend.
For more trade news, visit the NAB AFL Trade Hub, brought to you by Anytime Fitness.
