AFL trade news: Rival teams are “strongly pursuing” an in-form Eagles star.
It’s anticipated that Est Coast will struggle to hold onto a top-tier midfield player.
Elliot Yeo, a star Eagle who is unsigned through the 2024 season, is expected to raise his asking price as talks move forward because he is back to full strength at the beginning of the new season.
Yeo agreed to a five-year contract with West Coast in late 2017; he would add a term in 2022, which would allow him to leave the team this year.
He has only participated in 91 games under Adam Simpson during that time due to multiple injury setbacks and concerns over the previous few seasons.
Yeo, making his first appearance in Round 1 since the 2020 season, is back to his previous level of play, which allowed him to win
Yeo’s explosive start to 2024—he currently sits fourth in the AFLCA voting—has encouraged the West Coast, but several opponents are reportedly pursuing him in advance of his impending contract call-up.
As the midfielder is eligible for free agency this year, clubs are’strongly pursuing’ Yeo’s signature, according to AFL.com.au.
According to the report, despite his contract status, Geelong and Essendon were reportedly interested in the 30-year-old last year. The clubs’ interest is likely to have occurred during a period when the Eagles were focusing on developing their young players and acquiring draft capital.
If Yeo were to choose to leave the team he joined from Brisbane in 2013, West Coast would probably still be compensated for his loss due to free agency.
Yeo would be a good target for teams looking to bolster their midfield and contend for the finals; St Kilda, Adelaide, Geelong, and Collingwood are among the teams that may be expressing interest.
Yeo may receive sizable offers from interested teams if he can maintain his fitness and form, and the Eagles will have to decide whether to re-sign the local onballer or look to bolster their draft pick.
Yeo has also shown himself to be a valuable mentor to Harley Reid, the team’s top pick, who is a key component of their long-term strategy.
In addition, the Eagles will have unrestricted free agents in 2024 in Liam Duggan, Andrew Gaff, Josh Rotham, Jamaine Jones, and Zane Trew. Those without contracts after this season include Jai Culley, Alex Witherden, and Harry Barnett.
