Trade talk: moves, rumours and your reaction

FREMANTLE defender Luke McPharlin has rejected retirement and is set to play on in 2015.

The 32-year-old ended the season unsure of his plans after a troublesome calf injury cut his year short at round 20.

But the All Australian backman, who has played 238 games in 15 seasons in the AFL for Hawthorn and the Dockers, has committed to going around again next season.

Fremantle football manager Chris Bond said McPharlin's new contract would be finalised within a week.

"Yeah, we do (expect him to play on)," Bond told NAB AFL Trade Radio.

"He's certainly got his head around doing that.

"There's been a lot of talk about him being 33 in December, so we're very conscious of a lot of work and rigour going around the physical side of things.

"But knowing Luke as well as we do and because he's held in such high regard, a lot of it is around the mental side of things and he's in."

Despite reports to the contrary, Bond revealed the Dockers had not spoken to out-of-contract Essendon midfielder Ben Howlett.

Should Howlett leave Essendon, it is understood Carlton is the frontrunner to secure his services.

Bond also said ruckman Zac Clarke was a required player and would not be put on the trade table this week.

As expected, the Dockers have also said they will not pursue Mitch Clark in this week's NAB AFL Trade Period.