Heading into the deadline: a snapshot of 23 major moves
With the AFL trade deadline looming, ~23 significant deals sit in various stages of progress. From captains seeking new homes to star forwards weighing fresh opportunities, the final 72 hours promise to reshape lists across the competition. Here is a clear, concise state of play on where things stand for the players generating the most buzz, including Zach Merrett, Charlie Curnow, Christian Petracca and others who could swing the balance of premiership contending clubs.
Zach Merrett: hawks or hold steady?
Essendon’s captain remains a focal point as Hawthorn pushes to assemble a compelling package. While Merrett hasn’t formally requested a trade, the clock is ticking. The Hawks have indicated No. 9 and future first-round picks, potentially supplemented by a third club, could be on the table to tempt the Bombers. Essendon has consistently indicated he’s not for sale unless a deal materially improves the club’s long-term outlook. The result: a high-stakes negotiation with decision-time on the horizon.
Charlie Curnow: Cats and Swans in the mix
Geelong has laid out a compelling case for Curnow, offering three first-round picks in a bid for the two-time Coleman Medallist. Carlton, however, has held firm, seeking a quality player in return in addition to draft capital. Sydney is weighing its contracted players as potential sweeteners, including Ollie Florent and Will Hayward. With Curnow having medicals with both Geelong and Sydney, the Blues’ willingness to trade hinges on a deal that adds genuine value rather than draft stock alone.
Christian Petracca: Suns priority leverage
Melbourne and Gold Coast remain entrenched in talks over Petracca, who has four years left on his contract. Melbourne’s strategy centers on targeting the Suns’ No. 7 and 8 picks, combined with later selections, to boost Gold Coast’s bid for top academy prospects. Bailey Humphrey has been a key target for Melbourne, but Gold Coast has drawn a firm line. Expect negotiations to hinge on who can offer the best blend of draft capital and salary relief.
Ruck and midfield reshuffles: Marshall, Oliver, Rowbottom and more
Rowing through the lists, Geelong’s pursuit of Rowan Marshall clashes with St Kilda’s insistence he isn’t for sale, while Clayton Oliver’s market remains guarded by GWS with a plausible package of picks and salary contributions. Oliver’s potential move is seen as a salary-drift exercise for the Demons, who may shoulder substantial portions of his deal. James Rowbottom’s name surfaces in trade talks as a potential piece for a larger Curnow package, though Sydney’s confidence in keeping him remains strong.
Other notable movements: Florent, Ugle-Hagan, Budarick and beyond
Ollie Florent’s preference to stay at Sydney complicates any Curnow-related package. Will Hayward’s openness to a move remains uncertain, as Carlton eyes a potential multi-club deal that could include mid-draft picks. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is on track to join Gold Coast with a late draft price, while Buku Khamis and Connor Budarick negotiations scroll with the Suns and Blues navigating a complex web of picks. The landscape also includes Jye Simpkin weighing his options, and Elijah Hollands facing a possible move after Carlton asked him to seek a new home.
What to expect in the final hours
With Wednesday’s deadline near, the AFL trade market is set to intensify as clubs seek to close the most advantageous deals. Expect three-way trades, late pick swaps, and delisted-free-agent style moves to surface as teams attempt to optimize their lists for the next season. The central questions remain: who will swallow big contracts, which clubs will gamble on lottery-style picks, and which players will land where they can secure immediate opportunities and long-term success?
Bottom line
As clubs negotiate into the final hours, fans should brace for unexpected turnarounds. The threads connecting Merrett, Curnow, Petracca and the wider trade group could reweave the AFL’s competitive landscape in dramatic fashion, with the implications lasting well beyond the window itself.
