AFL Trade Period Day Seven: Live Updates & Key Talks
The AFL trade period has built to a fever pitch as Day Seven unfolds, with major names like Zach Merrett, Charlie Curnow and Christian Petracca in the spotlight. With the clock ticking, clubs, players and managers are all maneuvering in a high-stakes game of chess, where negotiations can shift in a matter of hours.
Zach Merrett: Meetings, Talks, and the Essendon Stand
On the day prior, reports indicated Zach Merrett met with an Essendon contingent. The big question remains: what was actually discussed? Nine columnist Tom Morris on Trade Radio offered a nuanced snapshot: there was no formal trade request from Merrett, but there was discussion of a trade. “There was no formal trade request but there was discussion of a trade,” Morris observed, noting that Merrett’s manager Tom Petroro presented a range of trade scenarios for the Bombers to consider. Essendon, however, held a firm line: “Essendon was resolute they would not trade.”
The dynamic around Merrett is emblematic of the period—a star captain, contracted and entrenched, but drawn into the tug-of-war between a hungry suitor and a club unwilling to capitulate. Hawthorn’s pursuit, if it ever becomes a concrete deal, would be among the boldest mid-career overhauls seen in recent years. Yet as the discussion unfolds, questions linger about whether Hawthorn will ultimately ante up the required compensation, and how a potential deal would affect both Merrett and the Bombers’ locker room morale.
Curnow, Petracca and the Clock
Charlie Curnow’s name has also loomed large as teams haggle over picks and players. The chatter around Geelong, Sydney, and St Kilda hints at a possible shift in who would land the key forward, with selections like pick 19 potentially bridging gaps if Geelong were to move their assets. The goal remains to secure a deal that satisfies both the Saints’ and the Cats’ strategic timelines, while keeping the player’s expectations front and center.
Christian Petracca’s status adds another layer of complexity. Melbourne’s star is a cornerstone of their midfield and forward structure, and any movement would reverberate through the club’s plans for the next premiership window. Trade discussions around Petracca, if any, are carefully weighed against the small print of contracts, trade soft caps, and three-way deals that could unlock a more favorable arrangement for all sides. In a period where every day counts, Petracca’s name continues to be a barometer of how aggressively clubs are willing to push for the players they believe can change a season.
Speculative Takes: Clubs, Players, and Public Perception
Rob, a long-time observer, raised a common concern: Hawks’ aggressive pursuit could damage their reputation if they push hard and don’t close deals. The reality is that a club’s willingness to meet heavy price tags affects how players and agents view future negotiations. If a star becomes available, players may hesitate to meet with Sam Mitchell or Hawthorn executives, fearing media scrutiny and reputational risk. Oscar Allen’s year reinforced the risk; public pressure can derail negotiations even before a deal is on the table.
Meanwhile, insiders such as Liam Pickering have emphasized that negotiations with big names rarely come cheap. The Merrett pursuit—considering Zach Merrett’s status as captain and six-time best and fairest winner—illustrates how a contracted, high-impact player commands a premium. Some pundits argue that the Bombers’ strategy to remain steadfast forces Hawthorn to rethink what “value” looks like in the modern trade market, while others suggest a deal may still crystallize if the Hawks alter their offer materially.
What to Watch Tonight and Beyond
With Day Seven acting as a trade deadline eve for many observers, all eyes are on whether any last-minute developments take shape. SEN’s Sam Edmund flagged the Merrett-to-Hawthorn pursuit as a long shot, noting early signals of brinksmanship rather than momentum. Tim Watson echoed the sentiment, predicting that Essendon may remain firm, regardless of what Hawthorn offers. The live dynamics emphasize that the clock—labeled “deadline eve” by some outlets—will determine whether a pivot occurs or the status quo endures.
Bottom Line
The AFL trade period continues to deliver drama as Merrett, Curnow and Petracca navigate looming deadlines. Clubs must balance bold ambitions with practical concessions, and players must decide how public their next steps should be. For fans, Day Seven promises more twists as negotiations evolve, with the clock acting as the ultimate arbiter of fate for some of the league’s premier talents.
