Blues lodge papers for Swans spearhead as free agency window opens

It seems Melbourne captain Max Gawn’s meeting with young Hawk Calsher Dear was not enough to prise him away from Dingley.

Dear will instead stay at Hawthorn, inking a two-year contract extension.

The 21-year-old had attracted interest from the Dees, Geelong and Collingwood, and Scoop in September reported during grand final week that Gawn had invited him to his classy wine bar, Motor, to discuss a potential move during trade period.

However, the Hawks confirmed on Friday morning that the son of 1991 Norm Smith medallist Paul Dear would stay in brown and gold.

The first free agency paperwork has dropped, with Carlton making Joel Amartey’s move from Sydney official. He is seen as an ideal replacement for Charlie Curnow, who departed for the Swans 12 months ago. The Swans are waiting to hear what compensation they will receive for Amartey, who is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Blues worth up to $750,000 a season according to industry insiders.

Click here to catch up on the state of play at every club: who are the free agents, who’s out of contract or delisted and who is open to playing on elsewhere?

One of the clubs with lots going on is GWS. We know Toby Greene wants to get to the Cats, but ruckman Kieren Briggs is also on the move to Richmond and Jake Stringer is looking for a fourth club.

And keep an ear out for news from Collingwood, who will land dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale. Here’s what the Lions expect to receive as compensation.

Good morning and welcome to our coverage of the AFL free agency period.

Heavyweight deals involving restricted free agents Zak Butters and Ben King will dominate. Will Port and Gold Coast match offers from the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn, respectively, and force trades? Or will they accept the compensation on offer, which in Port’s case is pick five for Butters?

Monday is when the actual trade period starts, with all the clubs gathering at Marvel Stadium for negotiations that in some cases will keep bubbling along until deadline day, which is Wednesday, October 14.

Follow our live coverage each weekday during trade period, along with our daily trade editions of the Real Footy podcast.