Categories: Sports Commentary and AFL Trade News

AFL Trade Period Day Six Live: Merrett, Curnow and Petracca in limbo as deals loom

AFL Trade Period Day Six Live: Merrett, Curnow and Petracca in limbo as deals loom

Live Drama Intensifies on AFL Trade Period Day Six

Day six of the AFL trade period delivers another wave of suspense, as Zach Merrett, Charlie Curnow and Christian Petracca find themselves in limbo while clubs negotiate what could be blockbuster movements. With trading window reopening and whispers of significant swaps, the industry waits to see which deals will finally crystallize.

Merrett’s Market: Essendon, Hawthorn In Sync on a Potential Three‑Way

Footy insiders expect a third club to enter the fray around the Merrett situation, a framework outlined by prominent commentator Tom Morris. He stated on Trade Radio that Essendon would trade Merrett if the terms were exceptional, and warned Hawthorn’s interest likely comes with a hard cap on their leverage. Morris suggested two first-round picks plus something extra as a realistic starting point for negotiations today.

According to AFL.com.au reporting, Hawthorn has tabled a package built around its No. 9 draft selection and a future first-round pick. But those two assets alone would probably not be enough to swing a deal that satisfies the Bombers. The path forward for both clubs remains delicate, with Essendon seeking additional value beyond immediate draft capital.

What a Deal Could Look Like

Analysts anticipate that any Merrett transaction would require a broader package, potentially involving future second-tier picks or players who can contribute immediately. The aim for Essendon is clear: secure top-end value that aligns with Merrett’s impact on and off the ball, while Hawthorn weighs the cost against its long-term cap trajectory and youth development strategy.

While the precise terms are still emergent, the chatter underlines how hungry clubs are to land proven performers who can lift win rates in the short term while grooming future stars for sustained success.

Petracca to Gold Coast: The Framework Emerging

Tom Morris also mapped out a plausible route for Christian Petracca’s move to the Gold Coast Suns. The proposal hinges on Melbourne receiving pick 7 and pick 8 in exchange for their key forward, with the Suns returning pick 24. Morris framed it as Melbourne effectively sacrificing Petracca and Judd McVee in return for seven and eight, while 24 goes back to the Suns in the exchange.

Importantly, Morris noted that Bailey Humphrey would not be included in the deal going to Melbourne, despite initial talk of his involvement. The clarity around Humphrey shifts the focus to the draft picks and the strategic value of Petracca’scontract window for both clubs. If the plan proceeds, Petracca would become a Suns player, a move that would significantly alter both Melbourne’s and Gold Coast’s competitive projections in 2025 and beyond.

Other Moves That Shaped Day Six

Across the first week of the trade period, a notable number of players found new homes. Ben Ainsworth, for example, moved from the Suns to Carlton, filling a gap on the Blues’ list while providing a different role profile than his Suns tenure. Ainsworth spoke about embracing a more unstructured role at Carlton and the excitement of contributing to a club rebuilding its culture.

Geelong’s interest in Charlie Curnow has persisted, but Carlton reportedly rejected an approach. Curnow, who has publicly reflected a desire to explore his options, continues to weigh the fit of a move to Geelong or, less likely, Sydney. SEN’s Sam Edmund added that Curnow is prepared to take a significant pay cut to facilitate a departure from Carlton if a Geelong opportunity is available, underscoring how players are balancing financial reality with career ambitions.

What to Expect Next

With the trade window open for business again at 9am AEST, the pace is set to accelerate. Trade Radio and AFL Media have signaled that several negotiations could reach completion in the coming days, turning the current limbo into concrete deals that reshape teams’ 2025 ambitions. The appetite for bold moves remains high among clubs, and fans can anticipate more twists as emails, calls, and negotiations intensify.

Coverage and Community Questions

ABC Sport is delivering day six live updates as the market shifts, with analysts ready to answer fan questions where possible. The dynamic nature of the AFL trade period means today could bring the first real breakthroughs of the week, or continue the waiting game that has become familiar to supporters of the Bombers, Hawks, Suns, and other suitors. Stay tuned for updates as the story develops throughout the day.

Good morning and welcome to our AFL trade period Day Six live blog, where we’ll continue to track every handshake, call and deal lodged. Trading can resume the moment the clock hits 9:00 AEST, and the AFL world will be watching closely as negotiations unfold.