AFL Trade Period Day Two: The Stakes Are High
The AFL trade period has moved into a pivotal day two, with Zach Merrett’s future at the Bombers and Charlie Curnow’s potential exit drawing closer attention. Amid the negotiations, Christian Petracca’s situation remains unsettled for now, as clubs weigh up their long-term plans and the price of top-tier talent. Here’s a comprehensive update on where things stand and what might happen next.
Merrett to Hawthorn: Where the deal stands
Discussions around Zach Merrett’s potential move to Hawthorn have intensified, but tangible movement remains cautious. Behind the scenes, Essendon has signaled a willingness to listen and assess offers, especially given Merrett’s readiness to reintegrate and contribute in 2026. The Bombers’ stance, reinforced by list boss Matt Rosa, is clear: Merrett would not be dealt under any circumstances if the terms fail to satisfy the club’s requirements.
Former Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd has offered his take, suggesting that a “package of current and future picks” alone may not be enough to sway the Bombers. Lloyd argues that Hawthorn would need to replenish both picks and players to create a fair balance, with picks like eight referenced as a potential starting point. His sentiment reflects a broader belief that Essendon’s leverage comes from Merrett’s willingness to stay aligned with the club and re-engage with the group.
What could appease the Bombers?
Industry chatter points to Essendon seeking a blended package: a current young star or two plus a future asset, rather than a straight haul of selections. Names floated include promising youngsters who could contribute immediately, combined with a couple of early-to-mid picks. The aim, as Lloyd described, is to avoid simply burning the farm for a single star while giving the Bombers a pathway to a competitive future.
Charlie Curnow and the future around Carlton
Charlie Curnow remains a flashpoint for Carlton with several suitors monitoring the situation. Early on, Geelong was linked due to family ties, but financial and asset-based constraints make a Cats move less likely in the near term. Sydney’s interest appears more active, with Swans list manager Chris Keane acknowledging a pragmatic approach to any deal. “There are multiple options,” he said, noting that the club would explore all avenues, including cross-club trades or multi-team mega deals if necessary.
The potential paths: multi-team scenarios
With a player of Curnow’s caliber, a single-team bid often proves insufficient. The most plausible path seems to involve a multi-team arrangement, similar to the Adam Cooney-era megadeal debates, where concessions, future picks, and a mix of players from different clubs come into play. The general consensus is that the Swans could leverage a combination of assets to tempt Carlton, while keeping options open for the Blues should a better offer emerge elsewhere.
Christian Petracca: Status quo and options
Christian Petracca’s future has not yet crystallized into a firm move, leaving the Demons and their peers in a waiting game. Melbourne’s position has been to keep all options on the table while evaluating internal talent development, injury returns, and salary cap considerations. Given Petracca’s star status, any deal would require a return that matches his impact and leadership, whether through a direct player swap or a package that includes high-value picks and capable youngsters.
<h2 The overall mood and what to watch
Day two is shaping up as a test of resolve for clubs willing to pay premium prices for top talent. Hawthorn’s willingness to “trade the farm” will be weighed against their broader strategy to retain assets for future breakthroughs. Essendon, meanwhile, holds the power as the club with leverage over Merrett’s immediate future and the ability to set the market pace. The next 24 to 48 hours are expected to bring concrete offers or counteroffers, with the potential for a last-minute shift that could redefine the trade landscape for the season ahead.
Bottom line: Expect a crowded, tense week
As clubs assess risk, reward, and long-term strategy, the trade period remains a high-stakes chess match. Merrett’s deal could hinge on a carefully structured package that tempts Essendon without depleting Hawthorn’s own future. Curnow’s and Petracca’s situations could also pivot quickly if a multi-team agreement gains momentum, reshaping priority targets for the rest of the off-season.
