AFL Trade Period Day Three: A Day of Big Names and Strategic Moves
The AFL trade window has reached another turning point on day three, with the league watching a flurry of negotiations, long-term plans and backroom deals that could reshape clubs’ immediate futures. Stars like Zach Merrett, Charlie Curnow and Christian Petracca continue to be central to the chatter, while homecomings and multi-club deals thread through the morning agenda. Here’s how things are unfolding across the country.
Key Moves and Homecomings
Brandon Starcevich’s return to Western Australia is the most talked-about homecoming of the morning. After weighing up his options for some time, the Brisbane Lions have agreed to move Starcevich back to his native WA to play for West Coast. The decision prompts questions about how Fremantle and Melbourne-related parties feel about the evolving trade landscape, but the sense around the rooms is that all parties are increasingly satisfied with how negotiations have panned out so far.
Judd McVee’s desire to return west mirrors Starcevich’s path, as another Sandgroper who told Melbourne he wants to wear a Fremantle jumper. If these moves go through, the trade market could see a ripple effect that opens up additional opportunities for clubs eyeing draft capital and strategic flexibility in the coming weeks.
What Lies Ahead for Brisbane
Brisbane’s position after the mega-deal is pivotal. The Lions have secured a selection in the 20s and upgraded three other picks while parting with a free agent, a move many see as a win for their alignment ahead of the draft. If Starcevich had chosen Fremantle instead of West Coast, Brisbane might have faced a tougher time extracting value, so the patience shown by all sides is paying dividends for the Lions.
Looking forward, Oscar Allen could be the next target as a potential free-agent acquisition. With the Starcevich matter settled, Brisbane is expected to lodge paperwork that would officially bring Allen into the fold, leveraging their improved draft hand. A separate ongoing negotiation with Adelaide over Cal Ah Chee could further strengthen their draft position and give the Lions more flexibility for future moves.
Morning Quick Takes: Where Each Club Stands
Morning updates suggest a few threads worth watching as the day develops:
- Clayton Oliver’s meetings with GWS and later with Collingwood indicate a busy central axis for clubs weighing midfield integrity and star power.
- Charlie Curnow remains in limbo, with Carlton seeking players as Geelong has offered picks and Sydney yet to contribute.
- Zach Merrett’s status remains unresolved; it’s a long game that could stretch over days or even weeks, depending on how negotiations evolve.
- St Kilda’s willingness to trade pick seven for Sam Flanders could become a cornerstone for the Suns to pursue Christian Petracca, potentially realigning several lines in the process.
- Adelaide’s interest in Western Bulldogs’ Ryley Sanders reflects a broader push to bolster midfield depth ahead of the trade and draft periods.
- Essendon is reportedly open to moving up the draft order, exploring paths to pick one or two with West Coast and three or four with Richmond, a tactic that could alter the early-night drama on draft night.
The Big Deal: How It All Fits Together
The latest multi-club arrangement, involving West Coast, Brisbane, Fremantle and Melbourne, is designed to be functional rather than flashy. A breakdown of the core exchanges shows a net rotation of picks and players that aims to preserve competitive balance while enabling clubs to chase their strategic goals. West Coast gains star power in Starcevich and a spread of picks, Fremantle recovers with Judd McVee, Brisbane secures a blend of picks and players, and Melbourne retools with a targeted pick in the mix. As Cal Twomey and Ryan Daniels outlined during the unfolding coverage, the deal is structured to leave all four clubs with meaningful future options rather than declaring a clear winner today.
Bottom Line: A Busy, Balanced Day
Day three of the AFL trade period is shaping as a day of careful calibrations rather than dramatic, one-sided upheavals. The multi-club trades are testing clubs’ patience, planning and negotiation stamina, with the goal of preserving depth and draft leverage. For fans, it’s a reminder that the best trades aren’t just about star names moving; they’re about how teams position themselves for the next two to three seasons.
