AFL Trade Period 2025 LIVE updates: Aleer’s future in flux as Saints walk away
In a surprising turn during the AFL trade period, Leek Aleer’s anticipated move to St Kilda collapsed, leaving the Giants with a complex mix of emotion, strategy, and uncertainty. Giants football boss Jason McCartney described the moment as one of shock for the club and the player, who had been preparing to depart for a new challenge across the country. The drama unfolded as teams weighed up final offers, salary cap realities, and the lingering questions about where Aleer fits best in the modern AFL game.
The Giants’ perspective: “shattered” but hopeful
McCartney spoke candidly about the emotional toll of the failed deal. He explained that Aleer is a player the Giants value highly and that the club would love to retain him, provided the right financial arrangement could be reached. He also noted that there were discussions about using a future second-round pick as part of the package, a reminder that trades in today’s AFL operate across different time horizons and cap constraints. “Leek is shattered,” McCartney said, emphasizing the personal impact of the setback on a young defender who has shown elite potential at the senior level.
Aleer, who was on holiday in Barcelona, had reportedly received an offer strong enough to entice him toward a Saints upgrade. The backroom negotiations, however, were not just about money; they involved pathway certainty, game time opportunities, and the broader squad structure at the Giants. McCartney stressed that the decision was never about a lack of desire to keep Aleer but about the practicalities of fit and timing within the club’s plans for the next two seasons.
Where to now for Leek Aleer?
With Saints no longer pursuing Aleer as the primary target, the question becomes where the 23-year-old defender will land next. There is belief across AFL circles that Aleer’s talent would be a valuable addition to any defensive group, given his athleticism, speed, and read of the play. The possibility of a return to discussions with St Kilda lingers, but a shift in leadership or cap strategy could open other doors for Aleer in the coming days.
Essendon’s potential interest: could Hird spark a Dons revival?
Former Essendon coach James Hird has thrown his name into the conversation, suggesting the Bombers might be a natural home for Aleer. On AFL Trade Radio, Hird argued that Essendon’s defensive stocks—Zach Reid, Mason Redman, and Ben McKay—could benefit from Aleer’s elite athleticism and speed. Reid’s injury battles make the argument more nuanced, but Hird warned against underestimating what Aleer could bring to the structure and balance of the backline.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Essendon were on the phone talking to the Giants very soon,” Hird said, underscoring the sense that a late bid could emerge. Yet, the practical question remains: does Essendon have the cap room or the flexibility to complete a deal that satisfies the Giants and fits within the club’s long-term plan?
Saints, Giants, and Blues: the broader context of the 2025 trade period
The 2025 AFL trade period has been defined by a mix of long-awaited moves and last-minute pivots. While St Kilda appeared ready to secure a key defender, the collapse of the Aleer deal serves as a reminder that teams must balance immediate needs with sustainable payrolls and development timelines. For the Giants, the immediate focus is twofold: maximize the return for Aleer if a separate deal is needed, and ensure the defensive unit remains cohesive as they navigate remaining matches and the off-season plan.
Meanwhile, the Blues’ stance on Curnow’s contract talks has drawn attention as clubs assess the market for top-tier forwards and the defensive backline that supports them. As the trade period evolves, fans can expect a flurry of activity, with clubs weighing premiums for star players against the value of developing youth and preserving cap health for the long haul.
What comes next
In AFL football, the next 24 to 48 hours can redefine the offseason. The Giants may explore internal reconfigurations, look to recruit via a quick swap window, or pivot toward re-signing and extending existing players. Essendon’s next steps will be watched closely by supporters who remember the club’s recent defensive struggles and crave a season that combines resilience with elite talent. As for Leek Aleer, the decision is not merely about where he plays, but where he can play with the most confidence, minutes, and growth potential.
Stay tuned for live updates as negotiations unfold, with a focus on how the league’s cap realities intersect with the ambitions of clubs and the careers of players like Leek Aleer.
