AFL: Six moves completed on first day of Free Agency

As the free agency period kicked off on Friday, premiership contender Hawthorn has secured the biggest fish so far, with key defender Josh Battle making the switch across from St Kilda.

After informing the Saints of his decision back in August, the 26-year-old has signed a six-year deal with the Hawks.

For one of the most exciting teams in the AFL last season, Battle’s signing is a key acquisition for Sam Mitchell’s side, as they lacked height at both ends of the ground.

Top AFL betting sites are bullish on the Hawks next season, placing them on the second line of betting at $8 to win the flag.

As a result of the move, St Kilda have secured pick eight as band one compensation. This leaves the Saints with picks seven, eight, and 25 in what is a predicted ‘Super Draft’.

Elsewhere a trio of Giants left the club, with Harry Perryman heading to Collingwood, Isaac Cumming making his way to Adelaide, and Nick Haynes going to Carlton.

Heavily desired across the league, Perryman made a late decision to join the 2023 premiers due to their six-year offer. Previously an outside player across the wing and half-back, a move into the midfield has been floated.

After a disappointing 2024, the Magpies are expected to bounce back, with top Australian bookmakers offering odds of $15 to win the premiership.

Similarly, Cumming has also signed a six-year deal, joining a Crows side that will be hoping to improve on a 15th-place finish this year. At 188cm, the 26-year-old is expected to slot straight into the Adelaide backline.

Pushing for more game time, intercept defender Nick Haynes has headed to Carlton on a one-year deal. He’ll add depth to a premiership contender, with the ‘Baggers currently at $10 to win the flag 2025 with leading sports betting sites.

The Giants have received picks 16 for Perryman and 21 for Cumming as compensation, adding to their own pick 15 to complete a solid first-round haul.

Journeyman Tom Campbell has joined his fourth club, with the ruckman making his move to the Demons. The 32-year-old has played 58 games across 12 seasons at the Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and St. Kilda and is expected to support captain Max Gawn.

The Gold Coast Suns have also strengthened their key-position stocks, adding former Adelaide Crow Elliott Himmelberg on a three-year deal. The 26-year-old played 50 games during his seven years at the Crows but was lacking opportunities.

The Suns are currently at $31 to win the 2025 premiership with Marantelli Bet.

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