Day Six Live AFL Trade Period: What’s at Stake?
The AFL trade period has moved into its sixth day, with crucial players Zach Merrett, Charlie Curnow and Christian Petracca still in limbo as clubs weigh their options. With trading officially allowed from 9am AEST today, fans are bracing for a flurry of late-night negotiations and potential blockbuster moves that could reshape the season ahead.
The central storyline features Essendon, Hawthorn and Zach Merrett. Tom Morris, a trusted voice on AFL trades, suggested there could be a third club stepping into the frame. “Everyone around this situation knows Hawthorn has one, absolute max two cracks at it,” Morris told Trade Radio. “Essendon will trade him, provided the deal is exceptional. What does that look like? Two first rounders and something else is a starting point.”
Hawthorn’s proposed package is said to revolve around their top pick at this year’s draft (currently No. 9) and a future first-round pick. However, those assets alone are unlikely to satisfy the Bombers, who reportedly want additional value beyond two early selections. Day six promises to test the resolve of both clubs as they weigh competing priorities: the present needs of Hawthorn against Essendon’s long-term plan.
Petracca to Gold Coast: A Framework Emerges
On the Petracca front, Tom Morris outlined a framework he believes would secure the Melbourne star’s move to the Gold Coast Suns. The proposed deal would involve the Suns offering picks 7 and 8 in exchange for Melbourne’s pick 24 back, coupled with Petracca making the move. Morris described the arrangement as a “pretty good deal” for Melbourne, who would also see Judd McVee depart in the same process. Bailey Humphrey’s involvement has been ruled out, with Morris stating that his inclusion “is off the table entirely.”
“Petracca will be a Gold Coast player, it will get done,” Morris asserted. The deal would mark a high-profile reshuffle in the AFL’s free-agent-inspired period, creating an electricity around both Melbourne’s cap space and Gold Coast’s list management strategy. The Suns’ willingness to part with early draft capital is central to the narrative, while Melbourne weighs the long-term implications of losing a marquee forward.
Curnow’s Quiet Contingency: Carlton, Geelong or a Sydney Option?
Geelong’s interest in Charlie Curnow has been a persistent thread, with Carlton reportedly turning down a Geelong offer last week. SEN’s Sam Edmund relayed Curnow’s preference for Geelong, while remaining open to a potential move to Sydney. The forward has signaled a willingness to make a financial haircut to secure a move, dropping his next four-year earnings to around $800,000-$900,000 per season as part of a plan to exit Carlton and pursue a Geelong fit. Edmund clarified that while a Melbourne swap would be ideal for Curnow, the reality of negotiating a trade to a rival Victorian club or an interstate destination is on the table for day six negotiations.
All eyes are on whether Carlton will entertain a trade that could bring a high-caliber forward to shape their forward line for the coming years. The possibility of a Curnow-Geelong link remains a potent narrative, though other options, including a potential Sydney rearrangement, can’t be completely ruled out as talks progress.
Markets, Moves and the Morning Start
ABC Sport’s live coverage kicked off with a morning briefing as day six began, underscoring the sense that trading will resume in earnest as teams reassess lists and cap space. The trade desk was braced for a wave of official bids and counteroffers as clubs weigh whether to press the accelerator or pause for more favorable terms. The day promises questions from fans, and the best response will come from tactical moves that meet clubs’ immediate concerns while preserving long-term strategic goals.
As the day unfolds, Ben Ainsworth has already completed a move to Carlton, signaling the market’s momentum and the willingness of clubs to act decisively. The first week’s moves have set a tone for day six: calculated risk, clear intent, and a readiness to walk away if the value isn’t right.
What to Watch Next
– Does Hawthorn make a concrete play for Merrett, and can Essendon justify a higher price beyond two first-round picks?
– Will Petracca’s move to Gold Coast be confirmed with picks 7 and 8 in, and 24 out?
– Will Carlton land Curnow or pivot to a Sydney opportunity, and how will Geelong’s interest evolve?
Stay tuned for updates as day six unfolds and clubs finalize bids, counteroffers and potential trade-throughs across the AFL landscape.
