Truth behind wild comeback rumour; update on massive AFL trade target — Whispers

Whether Joe Daniher will come out of retirement or not can be revealed, while the Dockers have made a big call on their ruck stocks.

Plus, why a key trade target is in “no rush” and the key re-signing that is a massive win for the Kangaroos.

Stay up to date with the latest player movement developments with AFL Trade Whispers!

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NO SHOCK RETIREMENT BACKFLIP FOR STAR

Despite the rumblings, Brisbane Lions premiership forward Joe Daniher is a “zero per cent chance” of doing a retirement backflip, according to the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph.

Daniher retired at the end of last year after playing 204 games at the top level, culminating in the ultimate success with Brisbane in 2025.

Reports have recently linked him to the Sydney Swans, but Ralph has since quashed those rumours.

“He’s not making a shock comeback. The market is so thin that clubs are asking about him,” Ralph revealed on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle.

“He’s been linked to Sydney in the last week or two, of course they were the club that were really interested in him initially and then he found his way to Brisbane,” he said.

“Sydney’s asking everyone including Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, but Daniher’s really set up financially, he’s not interested in the money. I think if he was a one per cent chance he’d come back to Brisbane anyway, people close to him say he is a zero per cent chance.

“He’s got businesses to interest him as well, he’s on the trip of his life in Europe right now, wouldn’t that be lovely, but say it ain’t so, no Joe.”

Daniher won six club goalkicking awards throughout his career and was named All-Australian and Essendon’s best and fairest in 2017.

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FREO MAKE RUCK CALL

Fremantle are in the luxurious position of having not one, but two star rucks as a part of their squad right now in Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy.

Jackson has flourished with more ruck time in 2025, especially when Darcy has been sidelined at various stages with knee and ankle injuries.

The pair are both locked in to long term deals at the Dockers, Darcy until 2030 and Jackson until 2029, but Jackson’s recent form, which has seen Darcy miss selection on occasion, has led to speculation that rival clubs could chase Darcy.

But the Dockers have given reassurances to Darcy that he is still a key cog in their planning.

Appearing on AFL Media’s Gettable this week, Darcy’s agent Scott Lucas from Phoenmix Management Group said the star ruck wouldn’t be on the move.

“The first point is just to have a chat to Freo, just to ask how they think it’s going. That’s just a manager and a player doing their job. On the back of that, they reinforced how important they think the two-ruck role is,” Lucas said.

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“Sean has been more than OK with that, in my discussions with him. It’s not something we dwell too much on. I certainly understand it, though. Gee, it takes up a lot of talk time doesn’t it?

“I often relate it to the back-up quarterback and the way that clubs shape their list around it. The majority of rucks are one-position players, but you can’t just have one or two on your list. If you carry four, then 10 percent of your list is for one position. But it’s when you get injuries in that position, you’re desperate to have another one.”

The Dockers are still working through the mix, but it certainly worked a treat against the Saints on the weekend, when the pair both stood up in crucial moments.

“I understand the position and why and part of it is Luke has played really good football. But no (clubs haven’t asked the question of Darcy and his future) is the short answer,” Lucas said.

“We’ve had some discussions with Freo, as it is our job and it is regularly occurring, and they’re really invested in both the rucks and how they can work together for the benefit of the team.”

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‘NO RUSH’ ON KEY TRADE TARGET

Sam Walsh is in no rush to make a call on his future, despite rival clubs circling the star Blue.

Walsh is contracted at Ikon Park until the end of 2026, but manager Scott Lucas said the star midfielder is in no rush to make any decisions right now.

“I think there’s a lot, through no intention of any of the players, but all of those players continue to be talked about. Like there’s not a day that goes by and it’s on the back of their performance, I think, isn’t it? That’s fair to say Carlton aren’t performing where they expect,” Lucas told AFL Media’s Gettable.

“They’ve got five or six excellent players and all of those. I mean, I read a quote yesterday that, you know, the only player that shouldn’t be on the table is a player that hasn’t played a game yet in Jagga Smith. So that starts the narrative.

“But as for our discussion with Sam and Carlton, there is no need for one at the moment. I mean, he’s got another year and a half under contract, all going well, loves the club, close with the guys. So for our perspective, it’s just let it unfold as such.”

When quizzed on whether the Blues had started discussions with Walsh, Lucas had this to say.

“We’re always in discussion with clubs around players like that, so we’ve had a discussion. At this stage he’s not playing, so there’s no rush in that sense. But please read nothing into it.”

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MCKERCHER’S BIG TASSIE CALL

Colby McKercher has signed a two-year contract extension at North Melbourne, tying him to the club until the end of 2028.

The young gun’s signature is a huge win for the Roos, given Tasmania were expected to circle the star youngster as one of their marquee players.

McKercher is now the only Tasmanian contracted beyond 2027, when the Devils are slated to enter the competition.

The Tasmanian duo of Bulldogs midfielder Ryley Sanders and young Giant James Leake are both yet to re-sign with their respective clubs since being drafted, but for McKercher, he’s hoping the Roos continue to rise.

“The potential that we could be playing finals next year with the way I see the group and how we are improving is really exciting and that is definitely a big reason why I re-signed,” he said.

Of course, McKercher could always request a trade, but as it stands, it’s a huge win for the Kangas.

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