Plus how Hawthorn’s big trade can be unlocked, and the other major move it would allow to happen.
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HAS BLUE PRICED HIMSELF OUT OF MOVE?
The confusing circumstances around Carlton’s Matt Owies may finally have an explanation.
The small forward, who was third in the Blues’ goalkicking behind Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, is out of contract and currently doesn’t have a formal offer to stay.
He is being allowed to explore his options but having met with clubs including Gold Coast and West Coast, the 27-year-old may be pricing himself out of an AFL future.
The Herald Sun reports Owies is expected to ask for a multi-year deal worth $700,000 to $800,000 a season, which even with the $2 million bump in the salary cap for 2025 would put him well above the average wage.
Owies kicked 33 goals in 23 games this season, only missing one – the elimination final loss to Brisbane – through suspension.
If Owies isn’t offered a contract by Carlton (at any price) he would become a delisted free agent and be able to negotiate with any club, but it’s clear the Blues feel they have reasonable options to replace the former college basketballer if he leaves.
“He (Owies) has kicked a lot of goals. He has had a good season. Our front half is going to look a little bit different next year,” Carlton list boss Nick Austin said on Monday.
“Jack Silvagni missed the whole year … we want to get some games into Ashton Moir as well. We felt like he showed some things late in the season.
“We have a lot of faith in Jesse Motlop and Corey Durdin to come through.
“They have had some injury troubles this year, but we need to create a pathway for those guys to step up and take more responsibility.
PICK TO UNLOCK HAWKS-EAGLES SWAP
Hawthorn’s move for star defender Tom Barrass is likely to hinge on them adding another pick to their first-round selection.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s Trading Day, Herald Sun reporter Jay Clark said he expects the Hawks to add a future second-round pick to their offer for the veteran backman to get the deal over the line.
The Hawks’ stunning rise into the semi-finals means their first selection is currently Pick 14 which is not enough for the 2022 best and fairest on its own.
But the extra sweetener should see West Coast accept the deal, in the knowledge they can then on-trade the Hawks’ first-round pick to Richmond for Liam Baker.
“Tom Barrass feels like it’s a really key domino, but West Coast want more than one first-round pick, so pick 14 that’ll be the key part, the centrepiece but there has to be something else to it from West Coast’s perspective,” Clark said on Fox Footy’s Trading Day.
“I think you’ll see that they’ll try and centre in on that future second round pick that Hawthorn would have to give up. One of the best key defenders in the competition and I know he turns 29 today, so happy birthday to Tom Barrass, but I feel like these two clubs have got to find a bit of middle ground.
“No he’s not worth two first-round draft picks, it’s one first and maybe something in-between.”
Pick 14 would then be the centrepiece of the Liam Baker trade, with the Tigers likely needing an additional selection as well.
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