Live AFL Trade Period 2025: Three Days and Counting
The AFL transfer window is entering its final stretch, and clubs are racing to finalise deals before the Wednesday night deadline. Names like Charlie Curnow, Will Hayward, Tylar Young and a host of draft picks headline the chatter, but the picture remains far from settled. As clubs weigh offers and counteroffers, fans are counting down to the moment a landmark decision finally lands.
At the center of the talk is Charlie Curnow and his future at Carlton. Sydney is pushing to craft an offer that tempts the Blues to release him while he still has four years on his contract. The Blues reportedly want more than three first-round picks, with talks recently rejecting Geelong’s package as insufficient. The coming days will reveal whether a deal can be shaped that satisfies Carlton’s demands and gives Curnow a fresh start elsewhere.
The Swans’ Interest: Hayward to Lead a Potential Package?
Will Hayward has figured prominently in trade discussions for weeks. Linked to Sydney as a potential forward addition, the Swans would also consider pairing him with useful draft picks. Yet a key wrinkle emerges from online chatter: Hayward’s Wikipedia page once suggested he was already a Blue. While this may be an inaccurate or outdated entry, the situation has underscored how swiftly the trade narrative can shift and how careful clubs must be with information as the clock ticks down.
Beyond Hayward, Sydney has other options but will be cautious about meeting Carlton’s demands. James Rowbottom is reportedly not seeking a move, and Ollie Florent has indicated openness to explore his options but is far from certain to depart. The Swans’ plan appears to be to assemble a compelling package without compromising long-term club balance.
Draft Stakes: Pick 38 and the Tylar Young Tie-Up
On the other side of the country, Richmond is recalibrating its draft strategy as it eyed Pick 34 to seal Tylar Young’s move to West Coast. If the Eagles’ next pick aligns with Richmond’s target, a deal could be done in weeks rather than months. Young’s late-season impact has drawn interest from multiple clubs, and his decision to join West Coast mirrors a broader trend of players moving west as clubs reshuffle their lists.
Young’s arrival at West Coast will follow a trend in which players move clubs due to relationships with former staff or a favorable list balance. For Richmond, minimizing disruption while strengthening future picks remains a priority, especially as other players and draft capital shift in the AFL’s highly-competitive market.
What to Expect Over the Next 72 Hours
The trade period’s final stretch is always the most unpredictable. Clubs will rush to lock in terms, ensure medicals are clear, and protect their long-term cap space. For supporters, the expectation is a blend of patience and cautious optimism: some deals will land, others will dissolve or be reconfigured in the hours before the deadline.
As the narrative unfolds, four players—Curnow, Merrett, Petracca and Oliver—continue to loom large in public conversation. Each represents a different strategic challenge for their clubs: whether to chase star talent via a bold move, or to maintain a stable core and invest in draft capital instead. The AFL’s annual trade period is rarely simple, but it often delivers a few jolts that redefine competitive balance and transfer logic for the next season.
Bottom Line: Staying Tuned for the Verdict
The next three days will determine which stars switch colours, which players stay put, and how clubs shape their lists for 2025 and beyond. Whether Curnow lands in Sydney, Hayward slides into a new system, or Young completes his Coastal move, the period’s outcomes will influence club trajectories for years to come. For now, fans should monitor official club statements and trusted AFL reporting as the window narrows and the likely outcomes crystallize.
