It’s the beginning of the end for the 2026 AFL Trade Period, yet there’s still so much that could play out with your club ahead of Wednesday night’s deadline at Marvel Stadium.
Foxfooty.com.au explores what your club still needs to do — or could do — and what they’ve already done with just three days remaining.
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ADELAIDE CROWS
List boss Jarryd Roughead has said himself he was expecting a quiet trade period. It’s exactly how it’s played out so far in a plan some have questioned after a semi-final exit and Pick 15 sitting there as a trade chip for a club trying to win now. You do wonder how much they’re keen to keep their powder dry for a big crack at Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera next year. The Crows are actually in sellers mode, with the club sitting back and waiting for offers from North Melbourne for contracted defender Nick Murray and Port Adelaide for Luke Pedlar. Adelaide is understandably digging its heels in for Murray after losing fellow key back Jordon Butts to the Bulldogs, with the Crows rejecting North’s offer of a future first-round pick for their second-rounder. Port had been tied up in facilitating Zak Butters’ move to the Bulldogs and a complex mega deal, now turning its attention to Pedlar. Adelaide is believed to be in the market for a half-back, though Keidean Coleman won’t be a player they go after. Jordan De Goey seems gettable if they wanted to beef up their midfield, but Roughead has ruled out a play there. They will add Harry Cunningham to their defensive stocks as a delisted free agent later this year on a two-year deal.
What they’ve done so far
— Lost free agent Jordon Butts to the Western Bulldogs
Current draft picks
15, 34, 35, 43, 56, 92
Are the Crows right to be patient? | 01:47
BRISBANE LIONS
Another club largely sitting idle after making a big splash last year with premiership recruits Sam Draper and Oscar Allen and a bursting salary cap. After sending Sam Marshall to St Kilda, the Lions will now work through Will McLachlan’s trade request to Melbourne. Keep an eye on Keidean Coleman, who’s reportedly been assessing the possibility of a move to a rival club, as one that could gain momentum in the coming days. Though Brisbane list boss Dom Ambrogio has said it would take a lot for the club to send the talented halfback, who’s contracted for 2027. While the reigning three-time premiers will have more outs than ins, including the departure of Lachie Neale, they secured their most important signature with Zac Bailey Adelaide interest, while Logan Morris has re-signed beyond 2027. The greater priority for the club is choosing Chris Fagan’s successor and the figure that will attempt to steer the club to a record-equaling fourth-straight premiership, with assistant coach Cameron Bruce the hot favourite.
What they’ve done so far
— Traded Sam Marshall and Pick 41 to St Kilda for a 2027 first-round pick
Current draft picks
20, 42, 53, 58, 79, 97
Daly pulls out of Lions coaching race | 00:25
CARLTON
It’s operation get Lachie Whitfield in a good old-fashioned game of poker between the Blues and GWS. The Giants want a first-round pick for the dual All-Australian, while Carlton is only prepared to part with one of its selections in the 20s for the 32-year-old. They’d be happy to come away with Whitfield, Joel Amartey and Cody Walker to reload in Josh Fraser’s first season at the helm in 2027. They’re also in the market for more ruck depth following Hudson O’Keefe’s move to the Bulldogs and Flynn Riley’s looming exit to Collingwood, with a deal still needing to be reached. The Blues are also set to sign ex-Magpie Wil Parker as a delisted free agent next month. You wouldn’t rule out Carlton being up to something else, but the club is somewhat restricted with the need to use its first two picks (13 and 18) on a Walker bid.
What they’ve done so far
— Signed Sydney free agent Joel Amartey
— Traded Hudson O’Keefe to Western Bulldogs for Port Adelaide’s 2028 fourth-round pick.
Current draft picks
13, 18, 25, 26, 61, 72, 90
COLLINGWOOD
Gotten a lot done already with the additions of free agents Lachie Neale and Jesse Hogan at zero cost from a trade sense. The Pies are still eyeing a move for Tigers halfback Jayden Short but have been reluctant to part ways with their second-round pick, while they’ll also look to bring in ruckman Flynn Riley in a trade with Carlton. Not that either deal is urgent, but Justin Leppitsch may to get creative, with noise continuing to bubble around Dan Houston amid links to St Kilda. Jordan De Goey also appears to be on the market, but there’s been little traction or firm interest from rival clubs. Another halfback, Keidean Coleman, has been linked to Collingwood, but Short seems the priority there. We also know the Pies want to hang onto their first-round pick, No. 11, and you sense they want to preserve future draft assets with an eye on trying to lure Matt Rowell back to Victoria next year.
What they’ve done so far
— Signed Brisbane free agent Lachie Neale
— Signed Jesse Hogan from GWS for Pick 75
— Traded Scott Pendlebury to Gold Coast for Pick 65
Current draft picks
11, 30, 67, 68, 70, 88
‘A lot of noise!’ Houston set to leave? | 02:29
ESSENDON
The Bombers have been linked with anyone and everyone this off-season, and have so far landed Geelong’s Jack Bowes as part of a deal that saw them part ways with hybrid defender Jordan Ridley. His exit saw him follow former captain Zach Merrett out the door, who finally landed at Hawthorn. At least eight rival players have turned down Essendon in recent weeks or months, with the jury still out on Gryan Miers who reportedly has interest from the club. In terms of delisted free agents they could land with their extra rookie-listed spots awarded to them by the AFL, former Bomber Jake Stringer is said to have met with new coach Mark McVeigh, while delisted Docker Bailey Banfield could also be swooped on.
What they’ve done so far
— Traded Zach Merrett to Hawthorn for Pick 15, 25 and a 2028 second-round selection
— Traded Jordan Ridley, Pick 60 and a 2028 fourth-round selection to Geelong. Signed Jack Bowes, and got Geelong’s 2027 first-round selection and 2028 second-round selection
Current draft picks
1, 17, 21, 27, 80
Bombers’ “big play” for Keidean Coleman | 01:16
FREMANTLE
Unsurprisingly, it’s been a very quiet trade period for the Dockers. The loss of winger Nathan O’Driscoll to Richmond came about very quickly in the public eye, with the club only getting back pick No.61 (now 63) in return. Foxfooty.com.au reported last week that dashing Cat Lawson Humphries is on their radar, though a move this trade period now looks increasingly unlikely given his contract status. Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) players have been where the Dockers have struck gold in recent years, so maybe their most valuable move this off-season lie there.
What they’ve done so far
— Traded Nathan O’Driscoll to Richmond for Pick 61
Current draft picks
19, 40, 60, 63, 78, 96
GEELONG
If they weren’t premiership contenders already heading into 2027, they certainly are now with Toby Greene, Jordan Ridley and Rowan Marshall coming into their side. Missing out on Zak Butters would’ve stung, but Chris Scott’s club has done as best as they could since, with only the out of contract Jack Bowes leaving. A small watch remains on Gryan Miers and Lawson Humphries respectively as rival clubs circle, but for the most part, the Cats look done with this trade period.
What they’ve done so far
— Signed GWS free agent Toby Greene
— Signed Jordan Ridley, Pick 60 and a 2028 fourth-round selection from Essendon. Traded Jack Bowes, a 2027 first-round selection and 2028 second-round selection
— Signed Rowan Marshall and a 2028 third-round selection from St Kilda. Traded Pick 14
Current draft picks
36, 57, 62, 75, 93
Marshall deal headlines trade day | 01:59
GOLD COAST SUNS
It loomed as a much quieter trade period for the Suns than years gone by, with the loss of restricted free agent Ben King to certainly leave a void of sorts in their forward line. However, on top of the experience Scott Pendlebury will bring on a two-year playing deal, the expected acquisition of two Hawthorn forwards in Sam Butler and Aidan Schubert is a pleasant surprise. Should those two deals get done, their attention may now solely be on whether they can improve their draft hand by potentially splitting pick No.8.
What they’ve done so far
— Signed Scott Pendlebury from Collingwood for Pick 65
— Lost Ben King as a restricted free agent to Hawthorn. Received Pick 7 as compensation from the AFL
Current draft picks
8, 85
Sam Butler the “perfect plug and play” | 00:48
GWS GIANTS
The Giants have been one of the biggest losers of experience this off-season. Toby Greene, Kieren Briggs and Jesse Hogan are all gone, alongside Jake Stringer’s exit in late August. also departing. Add in the potential departure of Lachie Whitfield to Carlton, and it’s absolutely all-in on the draft this year for Adam Kingsley’s club. With limited draft capital outside compensation picks, they appear largely settled on a reset around their younger group with minimal links to rival players.
What they’ve done so far
— Lost free agent Toby Greene to Geelong
— Lost free agent Kieren Briggs to Richmond
— Traded Jesse Hogan to Collingwood for Pick 75
Current draft picks
9, 28, 31, 50, 77, 86
Where will Stringer continue his career? | 02:33
HAWTHORN
Alongside Geelong and the Western Bulldogs, Hawthorn will come out of the trade period as one of the biggest winners. Their securing of Zach Merrett from Essendon and Ben King as a restricted free agent from Gold Coast have been a long time coming, in a huge relief for their list management team. They did have to depart ways with Finn Maginness as he headed to the Western Bulldogs as part of the five-club mega deal. Additionally, Aidan Schubert and Sam Butler have requested trades to the Suns and look likely to move. Out of contract Roos defender Josh Goater is hopeful of also donning Hawks colours in 2027, though a deal is yet to be struck.
What they’ve done so far
— Signed Zach Merrett from Essendon for Pick 15, 25 and a 2028 second-round selection
— Traded Finn Maginness to the Western Bulldogs for Port Adelaide’s 2027 third-round selection as part of a five-club trade
— Got Port Adelaide’s 2027 third-round selection as part of a five-club trade
— Signed Ben King as a restricted free agent from Gold Coast
Current draft picks
29, 37, 71, 94
Merrett pumped to land at stable club | 11:27
MELBOURNE
The Demons emerged strongly from the five-club mega deal involving Port Adelaide, the Bulldogs, Hawthorn and Carlton, rejuvenating their draft hand to picks 4, 12, 31 and 46. That haul gives them ammunition, including potentially using pick 31 toward a deal for North Melbourne’s Zane Duursma. Closer to home, Jack Viney is still weighing a move to West Coast after being given recommended by the club to explore greater playing opportunity elsewhere, while Trent Rivers’ future remains a separate talking point — also linked to the Eagles.
What they’ve done so far
— Got Picks 4, 12, 31 and 46 as part of a five-club trade
Current draft picks
4, 14, 33, 48, 49
Duursma urged to lift work rate | 00:53
NORTH MELBOURNE
If they can land a deal that has Sydney’s blessing, the Kangaroos will land 2024 All-Australian Nick Blakey, who has nominated them as his preferred destination after a reported eight-year, $12 million offer at Arden Street. An initial offer centred on their high first-round pick was rejected by the Swans, who are driving a hard bargain given Blakey has five years left on his current contract. Separately, they are also pursuing contracted Adelaide defender Nick Murray and are exploring splitting their top pick. The latter deal however, at this stage, remains unlikely to eventuate. Out of contract defender Josh Goater has requested a trade to Hawthorn, with the finer details of a deal there yet to be fully established.
What they’ve done so far
Nil.
Current draft picks
52, 66, 74, 84
Blakey to join North on 8 year deal | 01:16
PORT ADELAIDE
— Got Picks 6, 10, Melbourne’s 2027 first-round selection and the Western Bulldogs’ 2028 first-round selection as part of a five-club trade
— Lost restricted free agent Zak Butters to the Western Bulldogs. Receives Pick 5 as compensation from the AFL
What they’ve done so far
The Power have turned Zak Butters’ departure as a restricted free agent into a major, major draft haul. After the five-club mega deal and electing not to match the Bulldogs’ offer, they hold compensation pick 5 plus picks 6 (now 7) and 10, along with Melbourne’s 2027 first-rounder and the Bulldogs’ 2028 first-rounder. It did see them surrender nine lower picks in the process, but there’s absolutely no doubt they successfully squeezed the lemon at the trade table. With multiple early selections and an eye on matching a bid for NGA prospect Dougie Cochrane, Port looks well-positioned to restore its youth across the next two drafts. With every day that goes by, it looks more and more likely Todd Marshall will remain at Alberton for 2027.
Current draft picks
5, 7, 12, 24, 32, 46, 65
RICHMOND
The Tigers have had quite the nifty off-season so far, adding ruck depth with Kieren Briggs and speed via Nathan O’Driscoll; the latter one that eventuated very quickly. They will again have a very high end pick in this year’s draft as their rebuild continues, currently also holding picks 22 and 44. Jayden Short is seeking a move to Collingwood requested a trade, but Richmond’s hard-ball stance so far has it sitting in no man’s land. Outside of resolving that though, activity has been limited.
What they’ve done so far
— Signed GWS free agent Kieran Briggs
— Signed Nathan O’Driscoll from Fremantle for Pick 61
Current draft picks
2, 22, 44, 81
‘I’m worried’ Tigers rebuild red flag? | 01:27
ST KILDA
The Saints extracted very solid value for Rowan Marshall, essentially sending him to Geelong for pick No.14 in a huge win for their draft stocks. The landing of Brisbane premiership player Sam Marshall and pick No.41 follow not long after, in exchange for their 2027 first-rounder. They pushed extremely hard for Nick Blakey in a substantial pick-based offer which reportedly included multiple first-rounders, but the Swans defender ultimately nominated North Melbourne. With limited other linked activity, the Saints appear close to finished this trade period.
What they’ve done so far
— Signed Sam Marshall and got Pick 41 from Brisbane for a 2027 first-round selection
Current draft picks
10, 16, 41, 51, 69, 87
Wilkie stunned by Marhsall departure | 01:41
SYDNEY SWANS
After losing key forward Joel Amartey as an unrestricted free agent to Carlton, the Swnas now look likely to also part ways with Nick Blakey who has requested a trade to North Melbourne. Sydney is rightly holding firm on a strong package given his contract length and status, but it’s nigh on impossible to see a world where he returns to the club in 2027. Veteran Harry Cunningham is being delisted and will join Adelaide via the rookie draft after rejecting a one-year Swans offer. Outside of negotiating Blakey, the club has been quiet as they pack in their current crop of players.
What they’ve done so far
Nil.
Current draft picks
6, 38, 39, 47, 54, 76, 95
WEST COAST EAGLES
It has been a quiet trade period so far for the Eagles, who have been linked to several players but are yet to snag a rival player. List boss Matt Clarke has indicated they are getting close on a decision from Melbourne’s Jack Viney, who has toured and is weighing up a move west. A possibility remains for his premiership teammate Trent Rivers to join him in a separate trade, though at this stage it’s not as likely. Earlier links to Gryan Miers have cooled with the Cat staying put in Victoria at the very least. They currently hold pick No.3 in the draft, as well as a handful of later selections.
What they’ve done so far
Nil.
Current draft picks
3, 23, 45, 59, 64, 73, 82
Bulldogs land Butters in monster deal | 03:34
WESTERN BULLDOGS
It’s been a blockbuster movement period for the Bulldogs, landing Zak Butters as a restricted free agent, courtesy of a five-club mega deal that also brought in Finn Maginness (previously Hawthorn) and Hudson O’Keeffe (Carlton). Throw in the addition of unrestricted free agent Jordon Butts out of Adelaide, and the Bulldogs could just about be the biggest winner of the trade period. Their draft hand this year as a result is very scarce, but they do instead hold two second-round selections in 2027 and 2028 amid other picks.
1, 2 (PORT), 2, 3, 4 (PORT), 4
What they’ve done so far
— Signed Adelaide free agent Jordon Butts
— Signed Finn Maginness from Hawthorn as part of a five-club trade
— Signed Hudson O’Keeffe from Carlton as part of a five-club trade
— Got Picks 76, 81, Port Adelaide’s 2027 second and fourth-round selections, Melbourne’s 2027 third-round selection, Port Adelaide’s 2028 second and third-round selections and Melbourne’s 2028 fourth-round selection as part of a five-club trade
— Signed Port Adelaide restricted free agent Zak Butters
Current draft picks
55, 83, 89, 91
Butters speaks for first time as Bulldog | 03:37
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