Day Seven Sparks Intense Trade Talk Across the AFL
The AFL trade period enters its seventh day with a flurry of speculation surrounding Zach Merrett, Charlie Curnow, and Christian Petracca. Clubs are racing the clock as negotiators return to the table, and fans watch every development for signs of movement before the deadline. Here is the latest from various insiders, players’ camps, and media voices across the AFL landscape.
Merrett: Meeting, Not a Move—Yet
All signs point to a tense negotiation dynamic around Essendon captain Zach Merrett. Reports indicate Merrett met with an Essendon contingent yesterday, but there was no formal trade request on the table. Nine’s Tom Morris described the scene: “There was no formal trade request but there was discussion of a trade.” Merrett’s manager, Tom Petroro, reportedly presented a range of trade scenarios for the Bombers to consider, yet Essendon remained resolute in not trading their skipper.
As the clock ticks, the question remains whether Hawthorn can escalate negotiations to persuade Essendon to consider a deal. Analysts have noted the risk for both sides: the Hawks’ bold pursuit versus the potential reputational damage to players who engage in talks that don’t culminate in a move. Some observers pointed to past examples where early meetings created a perception problem, even if no trade eventuates. The sentiment among fans and media is that Merrett’s value is enormous given his status, form, and leadership, making any potential deal a high-stakes proposition for the Bombers.
Hawthorn’s Bold Prowess vs. Saints’ Pain in the Wake of Aleer
As debates swirl about Hawthorn’s strategy, questions persist about how other clubs weigh aggressive pursuit against actual outcomes. Rob, a contributing voice in the discussion, asked whether Hawthorn will endure as much scrutiny as St Kilda did over Aleer. The answer hinges on whether Anguished negotiations translate into tangible deals. Critics argue that aggressive courting without follow-through can stain a club’s reputation, while proponents contend that strong pursuit signals intent and ambition under coach Sam Mitchell.
Commentators highlighted the delicate balance between demanding value and respecting a contracted star. Merrett’s status as a club captain and a multiple Best and Fairest winner makes him a prized asset that would command significant compensation. In this frame, Hawthorn’s challenge is not just meeting value but convincing Essendon to alter its stance on a player who remains central to the club’s plans.
Charlie Curnow: A Path to Geelong or Sydney?
Talk around Charlie Curnow centers on potential moves that could reshape the Saints’ and Geelong’s plans. With speculation suggesting strong interest from Sydney and a possible exchange involving Geelong’s pick 19, the Saints could be left to weigh their options about Rowan Marshall’s future if a deal for Curnow finally lands elsewhere. The chatter underscores how the trade period’s late stages can redefine team construction, with clubs weighing immediate needs against long-term strategy.
Christian Petracca and the Melbourne Question
The fate of Christian Petracca remains a subplot of the period, with speculation about whether Melbourne can retain its star center. The balance for the Demons is to maintain their premiership core while evaluating potential improvements or departures that could unlock further growth. As with Merrett and Curnow, the last-minute decision-making in this window will define how teams shape their struggles and strengths for the 2025 season.
What’s Next? The Deadline Eve Pressure
With the trade deadline looming, teams are likely weighing feverish options, including whether to hold firm, upgrade via draft picks, or cash in on a big-name player. Inside chatter from SEN’s Sam Edmund hints at a real sense that movement around Merrett could still develop, though perspectives vary. Former Essendon skipper Tim Watson echoed a cautious stance, suggesting that Hawthorn may struggle to break through the Bombers’ resolve.
ABC Sport’s coverage reminds us of the drama and humor that can accompany the last day of negotiations—from last-weekend postures that shifted to calm, calculated talks as clubs decide what they can and cannot part with. The narrative remains the same: the best-laid plans hinge on the willingness of clubs to move when the numbers align and to back their convictions with decisive action.
Bottom Line: A Busy Finale Awaits
As day seven unfolds, the AFL trade period continues to captivate fans with a blend of strategic maneuvering and high-stakes negotiation. Merrett’s meeting is a focal point, but the broader questions about Curnow, Petracca, and other stars will shape the final hours. For supporters, the next 24 hours promise clarity—one way or another—as clubs decide which players will help write the next chapter of their seasons.
