This year’s AFL trade period did not have as many blockbuster moves or as many cliffhanger deals to complete in the final day, but there was still plenty enough to maintain our interest.
Among the players to switch teams were the league’s games record-holder, a dual Brownlow medallist, a seven-time club champion, one of the competition’s best on-ballers, an All-Australian defender, a No.1 draft pick, and a Coleman medallist.
We graded every club’s performance through the free agency and trade period to find the best- and worst-performed in this year’s player movement window.
Hawthorn
In: Zach Merrett (Ess/trade), Ben King (GC/free agency), Josh Goater (NM/trade), pick 107, R2 2027 (GC), R1 2028 (GC), R2 2028 (GC)
Out: Aidan Schubert and Sam Butler (GC/trade), Finn Maginness (WB/trade), Bodie Ryan (Mel/trade), picks 17 and 27, R1 2028 (Haw), R2 2028 (Haw)
Draft picks: 29, 37, 71, 94, 107, 112
Trade rating: 10/10
Are the Hawks closer to a flag after this trade period? You betcha. Adding King and Merrett to a team already overflowing with talent was a home run for the brown and gold, and Goater was worth the punt in a cheap-as-chips trade. Hawthorn rated Schubert highly, but he was a mile down the key-forward pecking order, while Butler and Maginness were also surplus to demands and Ryan had been delisted. Bringing in readymade talent is worth far more than picks to the Hawks, given where they are – and even then, they didn’t give much up – so this was a ragingly successful fortnight.
Western Bulldogs
In: Jordon Butts (Ade/free agency), Zak Butters (PA/free agency), Finn Maginness (Haw/trade), Hudson O’Keeffe (Carl/trade), picks 42, 53, 83, 89, R2 2027 (PA), R3 2027 (Mel), R4 2027 (PA), R2 2028 (PA), R3 2028 (PA), R3 2028 (GC), R4 2028 (Melb)
Out: Picks 14 and 33, R3 2027 (GC), R1 2028 (WB)
Draft picks: 42, 53, 55, 83, 89, 91, 109
Trade rating: 9.5/10
The Bulldogs could hardly be happier. They beat Geelong and others to secure Butters’ prized signature in a major coup, as well as adding fellow free agent Butts to shore up their defence and added O’Keeffe for ruck depth. They played ball in a five-club mega deal that was largely designed to appease Port Adelaide for losing Butters and avoid them matching their restricted free agency offer. Butters and Marcus Bontempelli instantly become arguably the best duo in the AFL, and they will spearhead the Dogs’ premiership assault. They also took a cheap flyer on ex-Hawk Maginness.
Geelong
In: Toby Greene (GWS/free agency), Jordan Ridley (Ess/trade), Rowan Marshall (StK/trade), Pick 62, R3 2028 (StK), R4 2028 (Ess)
Out: Jack Bowes (Ess/trade), Pick 16, R1 2027, R2 2028
Draft picks: 36, 57, 62, 75, 93, 111
Trade grade: 8.5/10
The Cats have gone all-in to win a flag while they can still get decent footy from Patrick Dangerfield and Jeremy Cameron. They have strengthened every third of the field. Veteran match-winner Greene, who came for nothing, provides a star-studded forward line with even more firepower and can also add to their secondary midfield rotations. If they can get the best out of the injury-plagued Ridley, who turns 28 next week, they have a topline defender to bolster their intercept game. In Marshall, the Cats land a ruckman who can match the best rucks around the ground. The latter pair, though, have come at the cost of two firsts and a second, leaving the Cats without a pick until 36 in this year’s draft. They also ran out of picks to seriously get into the race for Nick Blakey – but with three high-class players to come into their best 23, the Cats should start next season one of the flag favourites.
Melbourne
In: Zane Duursma (NM/trade), Will McLachlan (BL/trade), Bodie Ryan (Haw/trade), Picks 4, 14, 48, 52, R2 2027 (BL), R2 2027 (WC), R4 2027 (WC), R2 2028 (WC)
Out: Trent Rivers and Jack Viney (WC/trade), picks 12, 49, 87, 107, R1 2027 (Mel), R2 2027 (Mel), R3 2027 (Mel), R2 2028 (Mel), R4 2028 (Mel)
Draft picks: 4, 14, 48, 52
Trade rating: 8.5/10
No club is better at accumulating draft picks and rising in the order than the Demons. Duursma was a bust at North Melbourne as the No.4 selection three years ago, but Melbourne present him with a second chance without the same risk (effectively pick 33). They also brought in Lions forward Will McLachlan for pick 45, which came in the deal that sent Viney and Rivers to West Coast. Melbourne encouraged ex-skipper Viney to explore his options after he fell behind younger midfield options. The Demons pulled another surprise when they traded pick 107 for delisted Hawks defender Ryan.
Richmond
In: Kieren Briggs (GWS/free agency), Nathan O’Driscoll (Frem/trade), pick 5
Out: Pick 63, R1 2027 (Rich), R2 2027 (Rich), R4 2027 (Rich)
Draft picks: 2, 5, 44, 99
Trade rating: 8.5/10
Take a bow, Blair Hartley. The Tigers’ shrewd list boss enjoyed an outstanding free agency and trade period. Ruckman Briggs filled a position of need and arrived for free, while wingman O’Driscoll cost them only pick 63. But they saved their best work for last in being the successful applicant for Port Adelaide’s No.5 pick, giving them two top-five choices. Richmond secured that coveted selection for a second-rounder this year, as well as first-, second- and fourth-round picks in the Tasmania-compromised 2027 draft. Factor in that Tassie have already pre-listed seven of the best players from that draft class, and this is terrific business from the Tigers.
North Melbourne
In: Nick Blakey (Syd/trade), picks 33, 49, R3 2027 (PA), R3 2028 (Syd)
Out: Zane Duursma (Mel/trade), Josh Goater (Haw/trade), picks 6, 47, R2 2027 (NM), R1 2028 (NM), R2 2028 (NM)
Draft picks: 33, 49, 66, 74, 84, 102
Trade rating: 8/10
The Kangaroos intended for contracted Crows key defender Nick Murray to be their No.1 target until Blakey suddenly became available. The ex-Swan delivered the type of recruiting coup that has eluded them for decades, but they certainly paid for it. Blakey joins on an eight-year deal worth up to $12 million, and will be expected to perform an integral role in North climbing the ladder. However, the failure to secure Murray from Adelaide is an obvious disappointment because the Roos still lack a reliable lockdown option for rival tall forwards. It was not for a lack of trying, but they ran out of assets and could not secure the top-20 pick the Crows demanded. Duursma and Goater left for worse returns than they were drafted.
Carlton
In: Joel Amartey (Syd/free agency), Lachie Whitfield (GWS/trade), Picks 31, 50, R3 2028 (Coll), R4 2028 (PA)
Out: Hudson O’Keeffe (WB/trade), Flynn Riley (Coll/trade), Picks 25, 26, 2028 third-round pick
Draft picks: 13, 18, 31, 50, 61, 72, 90, 108
Trade grade: 8/10
After a busy and successful trade period last year, the Blues were again extremely active. They filled two of their three main list needs, landing key forward Amartey from Sydney to provide support for Harry McKay and bringing in veteran Whitfield from the Giants to add to their speed and ball use off half-back. Equally important, they achieved their gains with minimal loss of draft capital. Amartey came as a free agent, while Whitfield cost pick 25 and minor pick slides in the draft. Their ruck stocks need replenishing after the exits of O’Keeffe and Riley, though neither was in their best 30. The big question now surrounds how the Blues will acquire son of a gun Cody Walker, who would fulfil the third list aim of future-proofing their midfield. Their current picks of 13 and 18 can match a bid no earlier than three. Amartey, Whitfield and Walker will be strong additions to a team that bowed out in the elimination final.
Collingwood
In: Lachie Neale (BL/free agency), Jesse Hogan (GWS/free agency), Flynn Riley (Carl/trade), pick 65
Out: Scott Pendlebury (GC/trade), Pick 77, R3 2028
Draft picks: 11, 30, 67, 68, 70, 88, 106
Trade grade: 7.5/10
The Pies don’t believe in rebuilding – and showed it at the trade table, landing a 33-year-old (Neale), a 31-year-old (Hogan) and almost a third veteran over 30 in Richmond’s Jayden Short. The Pies had an offer in front of Short, who was keen to become a Magpie, but could not meet the Tigers’ demands. It may prove a blessing in disguise for the Pies, who are already well stocked for half-back flankers and need more youth. Operating alongside Nick Daicos, Neale will significantly strengthen the Pies’ clearance game while also lowering their midfield age profile after Pendlebury’s departure. Hogan, with only 25 games in the past two seasons due to injuries, comes with risk, but his best is still top class – as he showed in the state game. Riley is a project ruck who, ideally for the club, will not be needed often at senior level. With two list spots available, the Pies may need to delist and redraft a youngster like Harry DeMattia or Tew Jiath to their rookie list. A solid exchange period for the Pies, who kept their first two picks while bolstering their best 23.
St Kilda
In: Sam Marshall (BL/trade), picks 16 and 41
Out: Rowan Marshall (Geel/trade), R1 2027 (StK), R3 2028 (StK)
Draft picks: 10, 16, 41, 51, 69, 87, 105
Trade rating: 7.5/10
The Saints were far quieter on the trade front than a year ago, but what they did was pretty good. They demanded a first-round selection from Geelong for Marshall – and that is exactly what they got despite the Cats’ initial reluctance. That said, the only reason Marshall wanted out for the second year in a row is because they spent oodles of money recruiting fellow ruckman Tom De Koning. St Kilda targeted and secured fringe Lion Marshall for their first-round selection next year, while also gaining Brisbane’s second-rounder this year. With his running capacity, Marshall should immediately become a senior regular under Ross Lyon.
Essendon
In: Jack Bowes (Geel/trade), Keidean Coleman (BL/trade), Picks 17, 25, R1 2027 (Geel), R2 2028 (Haw), R2 2028 (Geel)
Out: Zach Merrett (Haw/trade), Jordan Ridley (Geel/trade), Picks 27, 62, R4 2028 (Ess)
Draft picks: 1, 17, 25, 80, 98
Trade grade: 7/10
The rebuilding Bombers stripped back their list even further by finally biting the bullet on club great Merrett and letting star defender Ridley leave for a fresh start – but it has given the Dons more picks to build their next successful era. They currently hold four picks in the first 27, not including the likely compensation pick at the start of the second round, and bolstered their future draft hand. Merrett leaves a huge hole in their midfield, but getting a future first for Ridley, who played just 26 games in his past three seasons, is good business, even if it will expose them to more short-term pain. The Bombers added experience through midfielder Bowes and Lions playmaker Coleman, both of whom will play in round one if fit. They had a crack at Gryan Miers and were disciplined not to part with a pick in the top 20, and wanted Nick Blakey but were never in the hunt.
West Coast
In: Trent Rivers and Jack Viney (Mel/trade), R2 2028 (Mel)
Out: Pick 45, R2 2027 (WC), R4 2027 (WC), R2 2028 (WC)
Draft picks: 3, 23, 58, 64, 73, 82, 100
Trade rating: 7/10
The Rivers and Viney deal with the Demons went down to the wire, despite the Eagles not having much to do in this period. There was a lot of talk about West Coast’s pick 23 this year, but it did not feature in the final trade. They also picked up Melbourne’s 2028 second-rounder, while handing over pick 45, second-round selections the next two years and a 2027 fourth-rounder. The ex-Demons duo will slot straight into the senior side, with Viney adding valuable experience and leadership and Rivers a local product.
Fremantle
In: Pick 63
Out: Nathan O’Driscoll (Rich/trade)
Draft picks: 19, 40, 60, 63, 78, 96, 114
Trade grade: 6/10
The Dockers are hard to mark. After coming so close to an historic flag, their confidence in their list was reflected in their quiet trade period. Freo’s list boss David Walls did little but what he did was astute. Wingman O’Driscoll, who was not in the club’s grand final team, was traded for a late pick to Richmond. They filled his spot with a cheaper option, securing Dom Bedendo as a delisted free agent who can provide wing depth and play immediately if needed. They retain a full suite of picks in 2027 and 2028, and can add a decent player with their first-round selection.
Gold Coast
In: Scott Pendlebury (Coll/trade), Aidan Schubert (Haw/trade), Sam Butler (Haw/trade), Pick 8, R3 2027 (GC), R1 2028 (Haw)
Out: Ben King (Haw/free agency), Pick 67, R2 2027, R1 2028, R2 2028
Draft picks: 8, 81, 85, 103
Trade grade: 6/10
This is not the trade period that Damien Hardwick thought he would have been sitting through after his second season at the helm. They salvaged something out of a bad situation by turning sharpshooter King into the promising but untested key forward Schubert, and Butler. Though King did not finish in the top-10 of the Suns’ best and fairest this year, their forward line is significantly weaker after his departure. Pendlebury will provide much-needed leadership on and off the field. Pick eight gives them a presence in a strong top end of the draft, but the Suns start 2027 further back than where they finished 2026.
GWS
In: Picks 20, 26, 59, 77, R3 2028 (Carl)
Out: Toby Greene (Geel/free agency), Jesse Hogan (Coll/trade), Kieren Briggs (Rich/free agency), Lachie Whitfield (Carl/trade), Pick 31
Draft picks: 9, 20, 26, 59, 77, 86, 104
Trade grade: 6/10
The outs are concerning, but the Giants still have the talent to play finals next year. The departures of Greene and Whitfield all but mark the end of an era for the Giants, who did not let sentiment get in the way of doing business. They wanted to keep Greene but were pragmatic with two-time club champion Whitfield, who would arguably be on the podium for their greatest players. Whitfield would likely have become the expansion club’s first 300-gamer next year but the resetting Giants wanted to get more now than in 12 months’ time if he left as an unrestricted free agent. Greene’s departure leaves Stephen Coniglio as the sole foundation Giant remaining. They backed in the future with Max Gruzewski over 2024 Coleman medallist Hogan, and did not offer a contract to local product Briggs, a ruckman not suited to the new ruck rules. With picks nine and 20, they should have the points to secure academy prospect Ethan Matthews and end up with another pick in the early 20s.
Brisbane Lions
In: Picks 21, 27, 28, 45, R1 2027 (StK), R2 2027 (WB), R2 2027 (Mel)
Out: Lachie Neale (Coll/free agency), Sam Marshall (StK/trade), Will McLachlan (Mel/trade), Keidean Coleman (Ess, trade), Picks 20, 53, 59, R2 2027 (BL)
Draft picks: 21, 27, 28, 45, 79, 97, 115
Trade grade: 5.5/10
Equalisation did its thing with the Lions. Even if he did not have a big grand final, Neale is a big loss to their midfield, as seen by his third in the best and fairest. Marshall and McLachlan are younger types who left for more senior action, as did talented playmaker Coleman, who missed all three flags due in large part to injury. Their departures will hurt the Lions’ depth, though the picks received for McLachlan and Coleman will help them secure the points to match a bid for academy prospect Caylen Murray, a medium-sized defender.
Port Adelaide
In: Luke Pedlar (Ade/trade), picks 7, 12, 22, 34, R1 2027 (Rich), R1 2027 (Melb), R2 2027 (Rich), R4 2027 (Rich), R1 2028 (WB)
Out: Zak Butters (WB/free agency), picks 4, 32, 46, 83, R2 2027 (PA), R3 2027 (PA), R4 2027 (PA), R2 2028 (PA), R3 2028 (PA), R4 2028 (PA)
Draft picks: 7, 12, 22, 24, 34, 46, 65, 101
Trade rating: 5.5/10
The Power made the most of a bad situation, but it was bad nevertheless. You can never truly be pleased with a trade period where your best player – Butters – leaves for a new club, particularly when you wanted to keep him. The five-club mega deal Port Adelaide was a central figure in, completed purely to avoid the Power matching the Dogs’ Butters offer, was proof of how farcical the free agency system has become. They came out of that with a strong haul of picks, and knew they had enough draft points to match Essendon’s impending No.1 bid on academy rising star Dougie Cochrane. That meant they could offload the No.5 pick to Richmond to strengthen their draft hand next year to do more matching of father-son and academy prospects. Pedlar is a solid, but unspectacular, addition.
Adelaide
In: Picks 32 and 35, R4 2027 (Rich)
Out: Jordon Butts (WB/free agency), Luke Pedlar (PA/trade), pick 34
Draft picks: 15, 32, 35, 43, 56, 92, 110
Trade grade: 5/10
Surprisingly, for a club in a “win-now phase”, as their list boss Jarryd Roughead put it, the Crows did not strengthen their list for the final season of Matthew Nicks’ contract. If anything, they are worse off, losing depth in their key defensive post. Butts is off to the Western Bulldogs though they held firm in keeping Nick Murray, who was desperate to get to North Melbourne. Murray’s disappointment at not securing a trade will disappear if he can break his way into the Crows 23 for a finals campaign. The Crows traded out fringe half-forward Pedlar to climb up two places in this year’s draft. They will be busier next year in their chase for St Kilda superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who is out of contract at the end of 2027.
Sydney
In: Picks 6, 39, 47, R2 2027 (NM), R1 2028 (NM), R2 2028 (NM)
Out: Joel Amartey (Carl/free agency), Nick Blakey (NM/trade), Pick 52, R3 2028 (Syd)
Draft picks: 6, 38, 39, 47, 54, 76, 95, 113
Trade rating: 4.5/10
Key forward Amartey walked to Carlton, who significantly outbid the Swans, 12 months after Sydney traded for Blues star Charlie Curnow. That hurt, and delivered only pick 39 as compensation, but the hammer blow was still to come when Blakey requested a trade to North Melbourne after meeting with a bevy of clubs. That followed a major breakdown in relations between Blakey and the Swans. Sydney list boss Chris Keane set about returning maximum value once it became obvious Blakey emphatically wanted out. On that front, Keane and the Swans did well to gain the No.6 pick this year and a 2028 first-rounder among the more expansive package. But Sydney’s list won’t be as strong next year.
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