Blues test the waters on Elliott amid big-name speculation
In a move that has AFL fans buzzing, Carlton has “asked the question” about unrestricted free agent Jamie Elliott, the long-serving Magpie who has dazzled at Olympic Park for more than a decade. The report from Seven’s Mitch Cleary notes that signing Elliott would not block the AFL free agency compensation Carlton would receive for Tom De Koning’s departure to St Kilda, a factor that could influence how far the Blues pursue the veteran forward.
At 33, Elliott is entering the twilight of his career but delivered a standout season capped by an All-Australian squad nomination. The latest trade whispers have also put the Suns in the mix, with Gold Coast reportedly offering a three-year deal that edges out Carlton’s two-year package on money alone. It remains unclear whether the Blues will lodge a formal offer, but the possibility of Elliott donning navy blue would signal a bold pivot for a club eyeing immediate impact up forward.
The broader context sees Carlton wrestling with the forward line after swingman Jack Silvagni moved on earlier in the off-season and Charlie Curnow’s name has been spoken in trade chatter. If Elliott were to join Carlton, the club would still be balancing its equity with the need to preserve compensation for De Koning, but the report suggests there is room for a calculation that keeps both goals in play.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan lands on the Gold Coast as Suns bid ramps up
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has touched down on the Gold Coast amid a flurry of talk about his future. The 23-year-old is contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of 2026 but has sat out most of the 2025 season while dealing with personal matters and a leave of absence. A meeting with the Suns looms as a critical moment in a bid that could reshape his AFL career.
Speaking to reporters upon arrival, Ugle-Hagan kept his comments brief, joking about Dreamworld and confirming his focus on returning to football. In the eyes of Bulldogs officials, a move north could come at modest cost, with a late draft pick and the remainder of his $900,000 contract earmarked to be absorbed by the club. The Bulldogs will not be at the club’s best and fairest event as he remains on personal leave, underscoring how unsettled matters remain around his future.
West Coast’s special assistance package could unlock a Starcevich trade
West Coast is increasingly making a calculated push to use the AFL’s special assistance package as a gateway to luring Brandon Starcevich from Brisbane. The league confirmed the Eagles would receive an end-of-2025 first-round pick and four additional rookie spots over the next three seasons, a package that could be used to sweeten any deal with the Lions. The aim is to land Starcevich in a window where his premiership pedigree would help the Eagles rebound after a lean run in the standings.
At the same time, discussions surfaced about excluding the normal dilution of a compensation pick if the Eagles signed Starcevich as a free agent; the AFL ultimately rejected that exemption. The practical benefit remains clear: an end-of-first-round pick gives West Coast a real asset to trade for a player of Starcevich’s calibre, potentially accelerating a rebuild.
Bringing Starcevich to Perth would hinge not just on football metrics but also on medical concerns. Herald Sun columnist Jon Ralph highlighted the recent concussion history surrounding the Lions’ star and noted that a six-year, $900,000 offer would be weighty but not guaranteed should Starcevich fail to meet certain triggers. The trade window will reveal whether this package unlocks a move that could alter both teams’ trajectories.
Outlook for AFL Trade Whispers
With the trade period opening, the central questions stay the same: can Elliott pivot Carlton toward immediate success while not compromising future assets? Will Ugle-Hagan find a fresh start on the Gold Coast, and at what cost? And can West Coast monetize its special assistance package into a deal for Starcevich that stabilizes the Eagles for years to come? The coming days and weeks will be telling for fans across the league as these big-name whispers edge closer to reality.
