Greater Western Sydney are seeking a first-round draft pick for Lachie Whitfield, a former No.1 pick and dual best and fairest winner, as Carlton and Melbourne circle the star half-back. Whitfield, who finished sixth in the Giants' best and fairest this season, is yet to decide whether he wants to pursue a trade.
Carlton, who will secure Sydney forward Joel Amartey as a free agent, hold picks 11, 16, 23 and 24 and would consider parting with a pick in the 20s to secure Whitfield. The Blues are also in the ruck market following the likely departures of mid-season rookie Flynn Riley and pre-season supplementary selection Hudson O'Keeffe.
Melbourne are not willing to trade either pick six or 10 for Whitfield, but the Giants could consider sliding back from pick six to pick seven and receive a future first-round pick if Whitfield wanted to join the Demons. St Kilda are also in the market for a half-back.
Whitfield becomes a free agent when his contract expires next season. However, he would likely command less compensation as a free agent at the end of 2027 because Tasmania's entry into the competition will push first-round selections that year back into the 30s. The Giants are keen to improve their draft hand in 2026, particularly to secure talented academy graduate Ethan Matthews and add talent before the compromised 2027 draft.