Fresh rumour over $2.5m Harley war chest; Giant ‘gone’ as rivals circle - Trade Whispers

A Victorian powerhouse with a war chest is set to come hard for Harley Reid.

Meanwhile, a fringe Giant is expected to play at a rival club in 2026, while a gun Dee will wait until he returns from injury before entering contract talks.

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VIC POWERHOUSE POISED TO OPEN WAR CHEST FOR HARLEY

Nine’s Eddie McGuire believes Essendon is poised to offer Harley Reid a mouth-watering contract thanks to a war chest of money.

Reid is contracted at the Eagles until the end of 2026, but the speculation surrounding his future and a possible move back home to Victoria is high.

The Age reported on Wednesday that Essendon and Richmond were well poised to make a play for Reid, given their strong draft hands.

Both clubs currently hold two first-round selections in this year’s draft, which in theory could be used to appease the Eagles in any talks.

But McGuire thinks the Bombers are in pole position.

“Essendon are the one that they’re talking about at the moment,” McGuire said on the Eddie and Jimmy podcast.

“And my mail is they’ve got $2.5 (million) in their salary cap.

“I don’t know if it will all go to him, but they’ve got $2.5m sitting there.”

McGuire’s co-host, Cats champion Jimmy Bartel said Reid was set to cash in regardless of whether he stays or leaves.

“He’s going to get a big offer,” Bartel said.

“Good time to be Harley Reid.”

Is there too much pressure on Reid? | 02:07

Earlier this week, former Eagle Will Schofield told foxfooty.com.au’s Ben Cotton that talk surround Reid’s future was just “outside noise”.

“I just think it’s Round 1 of 2025 and a conversation that’s been planted into the media. How do you look at a second-year player and say after one round: ‘His head isn’t in the game, he’s worried about his contract’?,” Schofield posed.

“How would anyone have any idea? Why can’t that be a kid who hasn’t found what it takes to be consistent and hasn’t got his body where it needs to be? I think that’s pretty clear.

“But contract stuff is just outside noise for mine. It could be that, but it just as easily might not be.”

Schofield defends Archer after ban | 01:53

FRINGE GIANT ‘GONE’ AS RIVALS CIRCLE

Young GWS Giants defender Leek Aleer is expected to play for a rival club in 2026, with one powerhouse a big “watch” as the year progresses.

After being drafted with pick 15 back in 2021, Aleer has managed just 12 matches over the past three seasons.

The emerging defender is stuck behind Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley, Harry Himmelberg and Connor Idun in the pecking order and is seeking greater senior opportunities in 2026 and beyond.

“Leek Aleer doesn’t look like he’s got a place in the Giants side,” AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge told Gettable.

“I can’t see him staying at the football club beyond 2025.”

Cal Twomey agreed, saying “gone”, adding that the Brisbane Lions are a “watch in the Leek Aleer chase”.

During the pre-season, Aleer told The Age that senior opportunities would be a “major contributor” in his decision.

“That will obviously be a major contributor to my decision,” Aleer said.

“I love the Giants, I love the boys, I love the coach, and all the staff – and I love Sydney as a whole. But I’m a very aspirational person. This year, I’m very focused on just playing footy and enjoying what is going to hopefully be a fruitful season for us as a football club.

“Playing as many games as I possibly can is my main priority. When I get to that crossroad at the back end of the year, to decide what I want to do, I will talk about and deal with those things then.”

Jeremy Cameron extends at the Cattery | 00:36

GUN DEE EXPECTED TO STAY

Melbourne defender Judd McVee is expected to remain at the Demons but will wait until he returns from injury before entering contract talks.

AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reported on Wednesday that McVee is settled in Melbourne and is likely to sign a shorter-term deal.

The East Fremantle product has become an important member in Melbourne’s defence, racking up 48 games since making his debut at the start of 2023.

The underrated back is still three weeks away from returning from a hamstring injury.

McVee is not considered to be in the same bracket as the likes of Chad Warner and Kysaiah Pickett, who have both been linked to returns to Western Australia.

'It's home': Murphy on return to Dogs | 04:01

BLUE EYES TRIGGER

Carlton midfielder George Hewett is on track to hit a contract trigger that will add another year to his tenure at the Blues.

The ex-Swan signed a four-year deal at Ikon Park back in 2021 and has played 60 out of a possible 73 games since arriving at the club.

AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reports that the 29-year-old is likely to hit the trigger late in the season, tying him to the Blues until the end of 2026.

Carlton face a big year on the contract front, with Tom De Koning weighing up big money offers from rival clubs. Elsewhere, Sam Docherty, Jack Silvagni and Orazio Fantasia also qualify for free agency.

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