AFL Trade Period 2025 LIVE updates: Day-by-day twists and turns
The 2025 AFL trade period is delivering a roller-coaster of negotiations, late-summer hopes, and strategic gambits as clubs chase marquee moves. From St Kilda’s evolving stance on Leek Aleer to Geelong’s public flirtation with Charlie Curnow, the latest chatter shows just how unsettled the market remains. Here’s a live-style digest of the biggest threads and what they might mean for the season ahead.
Saints on the Leek Aleer puzzle: deal falls apart, next steps unclear
St Kilda had been pursuing defender Leek Aleer with a four-year offer worth well over $700,000 annually, and there were discussions about a future second-round pick. But recent reports indicate the Saints have walked away from the deal, and negotiations around a potential second-round swap have cooled. Aleer, currently in Europe for off-season leisure, hasn’t met with other clubs, leaving the door open for a surprise late bid. The Giants, who value Aleer, have implied they’d welcome a return if terms align.
The Saints’ pivot is notable: after securing Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni as free agents and trading for Sam Flanders, St Kilda could still re-enter the market if a different path presents itself. The question now is whether GWS could re-engage or if Aleer remains in limbo until the next window opens.
Geelong and Carlton: the Curnow chase could reshape the order
The showdown around Charlie Curnow remains a focal point. Geelong and Sydney are viewed as front-runners in pursuit of the Blues’ superstar forward, while Carlton’s new list management leadership insists Curnow is integral to their plans. Carlton’s Nick Austin and Chris Davies both expressed confidence in Curnow remaining with the club for his four-year deal, signaling a significant hurdle for suitors—but not an insurmountable one.
Meanwhile, social media sparked chatter when Bailey Smith posted a photo with Curnow at a local oval, prompting speculation about a potential recruitment link. The image, combined with off-field business ties between Smith and Curnow’s circles, has fans wondering if whispers could turn into a practical offer. Until a concrete proposal lands, Geelong and Carlton will continue their careful, calculated approaches.
Implications if Geelong or Sydney push for Curnow
If Geelong can unlock Curnow, it could upend the pre-season draft and trade dynamics, especially given salary cap considerations and list flexibility. For Carlton, maintaining their star forward remains a priority, and any deviation would require significant concessions from the clubs circling the Blues.
Brisbane’s draft strategy: pick 16, academy ploys, and chasing Daniel Annable
The Lions have been linked with a swap that would see Adelaide’s 16th pick move in exchange for dual premiership player Callum Ah Chee. Ah Chee has requested a trade to the Crows on a five-year deal, while Brisbane has proposed a four-year term with a trigger for a fifth. The sticking point is Adelaide’s board—Brisbane needs a first-round pick after accounting for father/son and academy selections that will push pick 16 down the order.
Brisbane’s hunt isn’t just about Ah Chee. They’re also keen on procuring enough points to secure Daniel Annable, a highly-rated academy prospect tipped to go early in the first round. With picks 16 and 17 potentially reshuffled to allow the Lions to trade up or rebalance for next year, Brisbane’s draft strategy remains aggressive and multifaceted.
Other notable talks and statements shaping the market
There have been other notable whispers: St Kilda’s broader approach, including re-signings and two-way negotiations, and the ongoing chatter around securing players from rival clubs. The Saints have looked to increase their midfield and forward stock while remaining mindful of salary cap discipline and draft equity.
Meanwhile, Hawthorn and Essendon’s conversations around Zach Merrett have been described as nuanced and ongoing, with club leaders acknowledging the complexity of such a move. Gold Coast’s Bailey Humphrey drew attention with social media musings about a possible move, though club management firmly stated the player will remain with the Suns for now as a three-year deal in place.
What to watch next: timing, picks, and potential blockbuster
As talks intensify, the timing of trades, the precise pick movements, and the clubs’ willingness to meet or exceed asks will dictate the next wave of headlines. Father/son and academy picks will continue to shift where pick 16 sits, affecting teams like Brisbane as they chase top end prospects. The potential reshuffle could see one team leverage two first-round selections to climb higher in the draft order, while another work to protect premium assets tied to future development plans.
Stay tuned as clubs navigates this high-stakes period. Live updates will continue to roll in as negotiations evolve, with the next big move likely to redefine expectations for the long-term picture in 2025 and beyond.
