Gold Coast have their eyes on Christian Petracca, Charlie Curnow and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, but some Victorian clubs could be looking to bite the Suns back, and lure rising star Bailey Humphrey back to his home state.
The Suns have particularly ramped up their chase for disgruntled Dee Christian Petracca. But with Suns midfielder Sam Flanders, who is also seeking a trade, unlikely to nominate Melbourne as his preferred destination, Melbourne may ask for another Suns star if they are to entertain a trade with the Gold Coast.
The Dees aren't the only ones interested in Humphrey however, with Collingwood and Carlton also expected to pursue the 21-year-old, according to Seven's Xander McGuire.
"The hunt for Bailey Humphrey is set to explode over the next fortnight," McGuire reported on X.
MORE: Christian Petracca trade: What Melbourne wants for star player
"Despite GC saying he’s not for sale and contracted until 2028… Collingwood, Carlton and Melbourne continue to pursue him hard.
"They believe his head can be turned."
The hunt for Bailey Humphrey is set to explode over the next fortnight.
— Xander McGuire (@XanderMcGuire7) October 2, 2025
Despite GC saying he’s not for sale and contracted until 2028… Collingwood, Carlton and Melbourne continue to pursue him hard.
They believe his head can be turned. @7AFL @7NewsMelbourne 👇 https://t.co/apJeGNZdKp
Humphrey was asked about his future on Thursday by Seven's Mitch Cleary, saying "For me I'm happy at the Suns at the moment. We'll see what the future holds."
When asked if he was aware of interest from Victorian clubs, Humphrey confirmed his manager had brought it to his attention.
"From my manager yes. But I haven't been approached by them (the clubs) personally or anything."
Melbourne have reportedly already asked the Suns the question about Humphrey, but Gold Coast are adamant he won't be included in a deal for Petracca, according to the Herald Sun's Jay Clark.
Melbourne is tonight desperately hoping Gold Coast muscle in on talks for superstar midfielder Christian Petracca. Keen for a meeting over next week with Petracca along with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. Bold play from Suns. But Bailey Humphrey not for sale https://t.co/RevcBvCPaL pic.twitter.com/uWtsDKU9mA
— Jay Clark (@ClarkyHeraldSun) September 29, 2025
Humphrey was taken by the Suns in the 2022 draft out of the Gippsland Power, and since moving to Queensland has shown sky-high potential in his three years at AFL level. Humphrey has impressed so much that coach Damien Hardwick likened him to his former three-time Norm Smith medallist Dustin Martin, before he had even coached a game with the Suns.
"I liken him to a match winner. The De Goeys, the Toby Greenes, the Dustin Martin type of player. He's that sort of guy," Hardwick told AFL.com.au in February last year.
Humphrey is continuing to develop as a mid-forward that could fill the void left behind by Petracca if he were to depart Melbourne. In just his third season, Humphrey averaged 15.4 disposals and 1.1 goals in 2025, attending 37.7 per cent of centre bounces, an increase of 29.3 per cent on last year.
His breakout game came when he produced a match-winning three goals in the Suns' elimination final win over Fremantle.