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Trade talk: Update on Mihocek, Elliott, Petracca, Flanders & more
SEN • September 22nd, 2025 1:30 pm
Josh Gabelich has provided an update of several players who are being spoken about in trade conversations.
The AFL Media reporter joined SEN’s Fireball to provide the latest on Collingwood trio Brody Mihocek, Jamie Elliott and Mason Cox.
Gabelich also gave updates on Christian Petracca, Sam Flanders and Zach Merrett’s Brownlow situation.
Brody Mihocek (Collingwood)
On Melbourne’s interest:
“He’s got a big decision to make because Collingwood's taking their time,” said Gabelich.
“They haven't offered a great deal. He is 32, turning 33 next year.
“Melbourne is at the front of the queue. They've got a great offer on the table for him, and I don't think you could begrudge him (leaving).
“This is a guy that started his AFL career at 24. He's been a warrior, a premiership player for Collingwood, but they just can't match the money.
“And they probably can't match the years, given the age and stage. Some of the issues around his body in the last couple of years, clearly hampered by the dislocated toe from the qualifying final in Saturday's prelim.
“So a watch on him and his decision.”
Jamie Elliott (Collingwood)
On Gold Coast’s interest:
“Jamie Elliott has been weighing up a move to Queensland for much of the year.
“Gold Coast has been into him for months, and I think he has been open to that move and exploring that move.
“He is 33, but he might get a three-year offer, that's what he is exploring.
“Now, Collingwood, as Craig McRae stated on Saturday night, have come up to two (years) for him.
“There's a difference for both those players in terms of dollars, which is what happens with leave money.
“So it's a big, big decision for him as well. He looked at moving to Queensland a few years ago when he toured Brisbane.
“To finish his career up there, away from the footy spotlight, appeals to him.
“But geez he’s important, isn't he? Look at his final series. He's super hard to replace.
“I think Brody Mihocek, you can replace him there. They're into Jack Buller from Sydney, who has shown a little bit across his first dozen games of league footy.
“Jamie Elliott would be a huge hole for a team that's looking to contend again next year.”
Mason Cox (Collingwood)
On a new contract:
“Mason Cox doesn't have a contract just yet, but there is a fair degree of confidence from him that he'll go around again at Collingwood.
“They need a bit of security in the ruck.”
Christian Petracca (Melbourne)
On Adelaide & Hawthorn’s interest:
“I think he's really open now to a move.
“There's been so much change at Melbourne in the last six weeks. Every leader at the club essentially has changed except for Alan Richardson.
“I think he feels like it might be time to pursue a fresh start.
“I think Hawthorn would have been the one for him. They made contact with his manager Anna Scullie, about eight weeks ago, just to gauge his interest in moving.
“They haven't met with him yet. Things have changed with the Zach Merrett pursuit.
“Clearly he's their number one target at Hawthorn right now.
“So, I don't see him (Petracca) getting to Hawthorn. I think he's now open to exploring interstate options.
“Tom Morris mentioned the Gold Coast Suns last night.
“(But) I think Adelaide is a club that gets deals done.
“If you look at Justin Reid's record across the last 3-4 (trade) windows, dating back to Jordan Dawson, Izak Rankine, the three (Alex Neal-Bullen, James Peatling, Isaac Cumming) they brought in last year.
“Clearly it's a big hole in their list right now, an inside bull.
“Christian Petracca, I believe, is open to a move to South Australia, so he’s a big one to watch heading into October.
“I think both club and player are now open to exploring a move.”
Sam Flanders (Gold Coast)
On Melbourne’s interest:
“Clearly, Melbourne has a strong interest in Sam Flanders.
“They'll meet with him as soon as this week. Steven King coached him at the Suns in 2023 as well.
“He’s keen to move now and return to Victoria.
“So, a watch on him.”
Zach Merrett (Essendon)
On Brownlow attendance:
“He's replied yes to the AFL, him and his wife.
“So he's on Essendon's table. Nic Martin’s on that table.
“I don’t think he’s going to come through the main red or blue carpet area. Maybe the back door.”
