AFL Trade Period 2025 LIVE updates: key moments and what they mean
The AFL trade period of 2025 is delivering drama already, with a series of high-stakes negotiations shaping the off-season. From a Saints deal that collapsed to Geelong’s brewing interest in a former Blues star, and Brisbane’s strategic play to land top draft points, clubs are sharpening their lists for next season. Here is a live-style summary of the major developments, what they mean for the contenders, and what could come next.
Saints deal falls through as St Kilda recalibrates its strategy
St Kilda appeared poised to add depth with Leek Aleer but has walked away from a four-year deal that would have bolstered their defensive and rebounding stocks. Negotiations with the Giants stalled when GWS reportedly wanted a future second-round pick in return for Aleer, a price the Saints were reluctant to meet. With Aleer currently in Europe and not meeting other clubs, this softer end of the market creates a window for another expression of interest to surface.
The Saints’ broader activity—having already secured Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni as free agents and trading for Sam Flanders—signals a push to add competitive young players without burning first-round flexibility. However, the current stalemate over Aleer’s price highlights a broader strategy: St Kilda is weighing long-term asset value against immediate on-field impact as the trade market tightens.
Geelong and Carlton: the pursuit of Charlie Curnow
Rumours around Charlie Curnow’s next destination continue to swirl, with Geelong and Sydney identified as front-runners and Carlton insisting he remains committed to the Blues. The Cats have sparked chatter by posting social-media hints featuring Bailey Smith and Curnow together, prompting questions about whether an off-field partnership could translate to on-field outcomes. While Geelong considers its options, Carlton maintains a firm stance: Curnow has four years left on his contract, and the club expects him to honor that deal.
Geelong’s positioning is notable in a year when premiership contenders are scanning the landscape for upgrades. If Geelong can unlock a pathway to Curnow, it would mark a bold strategic shift, pairing a midfield engine with one of the league’s most versatile forwards. For now, Carlton’s official communications emphasize stability, but the trade period thrives on ambiguity, and a late-season twist cannot be ruled out.
What the Bailey Smith moment could mean for Geelong
Social media posts featuring Bailey Smith alongside Curnow have fans speculating about possible recruitment pipelines. Smith’s own status and role with Geelong remain a topic of discussion, but any concrete move would require a compelling trade scenario and salary cap considerations. At present, the focus for Geelong appears to be evaluating what a forward-line upgrade could look like if Curnow becomes available, while also respecting Carlton’s public position on his future.
Brisbane Lions: chasing picks and academy firepower
The Lions want picks around 16 from Adelaide in exchange for dual premiership player Callum Ah Chee, who is seeking a move to Adelaide on a five-year deal. Brisbane, though, has offered four years with a trigger for a fifth and has not yet received a formal offer from the Crows that matches their demands. A crucial caveat is Adelaide’s pick 48, which would leave Brisbane short of adequate compensation if the club pushes to equalise the trade with a first-round pick.
Brisbane’s strategy isn’t only about Ah Chee. The club is actively pursuing points to secure academy prospect Daniel Annable, a talent tipped to go in the first five. With picks 16 and 17 on the table, the Lions would gain flexibility—either to trade up, shuffle selections into next year, or defend their position as premiership favourites while the draft order shifts due to father/son and academy commitments.
GWS Giants and St Kilda: potential alliances and price talks
Speculation around Leek Aleer’s future showed the fragility of trade talks. The Giants reportedly wanted a future second-round pick, with some suggestions that any compensation would be diluted by other selections. The Saints, meanwhile, have been cautious about parting with higher-value picks for short-term gains. The dynamic here is a reminder that trade negotiations are as much about long-term balance as about matching a single player’s value.
Around the league: other notable moves and voices
There has been a mix of confirmed signings and public postures from club executives. Australian cricket star Glenn Maxwell commented on the Saints’ aggressive approach, underscoring a broader fan and media interest in the off-season wheeling and dealing. Meanwhile, Hawthorn’s Rob McCartney offered a measured view on pursuing Zach Merrett, noting the complexity and personal considerations involved in large-market moves. The trade period continues to be a testing ground for leadership and strategy across AFL clubs.
What to watch next
Key questions remain: Will St Kilda revisit Leek Aleer via another channel? Can Geelong turn social-media hints into a legitimate pathway for Curnow, or will Carlton’s public stance hold? Will Brisbane push their draft position to secure top-tier academy talent or ready a bid for a first-round pick? The answers could redefine the ladder next season and determine which teams emerge as genuine premiership threats in 2025.
