AFL Trade Period LIVE 2025: High-stakes moves as final hours loom
The AFL’s 2025 trade period is entering its final, frenzied phase, with clubs racing to seal the most pivotal deals before the 7.30pm AEDT deadline. Among the day’s headline moments, Carlton’s refusal of Sydney’s offer for Charlie Curnow sent a strong signal about the Blues’ negotiating stance, while the chatter around emerging moves and coaching staff reshuffles kept fans glued to their screens.
Charlie Curnow and the Blues’ stance amid a crowded market
One of the day’s most talked-about stories concerns Charlie Curnow and Carlton’s decision to reject a Swans offer. The decision underscores the Blues’ assessment of their premiership window and the value they place on a player who has become central to their forward structure. While the exact terms of the rejected bid remained undisclosed, the move signals Carlton’s willingness to hold firm on star assets in a market where several clubs are pressing for top-tier talent.
Live trades: final-hour drama and the deadline countdown
Trades traditionally surge in the final hours after the moratorium ends. This year’s deadline, set for 7.30pm AEDT, is expected to unleash a flurry of negotiations in the closing minutes. Historical patterns show that late changes can redefine premiership arcs, with players swapping jerseys as teams recalibrate their rosters for the upcoming season. The AFL will publish deals only after official approval, meaning there may be a brief post-deadline gap before everything is ratified.
Other standout narratives in the mix
Beyond Curnow’s situation, several high-profile players and coaching staff movements are shaping the narrative. Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, and Zach Merrett are among the headline names whose futures are being debated, while Essendon’s stance on Zach Merrett’s potential move to Hawthorn continues to be a focal point.
In coaching news, Nathan Buckley’s return to the coaching realm has grabbed attention. Buckley revealed via SEN that a late-text from Geelong coach Chris Scott sparked his decision to join the Cats as an assistant coach in 2026. Buckley, who led Collingwood to five finals campaigns and the 2018 grand final during his tenure, described Scott as “not your quintessential coach” and said the conversation planted a seed for a fresh chapter in his career. This move comes after Buckley spent the past four years in media, with ongoing work at Fox Footy anticipated.
Buckley also weighed on his broader coaching ambitions, including the Tasmanian Devils’ licence trajectory. He indicated that a move to Geelong would be a meaningful stepping stone, while acknowledging that the Devils still face licensing and stadium hurdles. This “accelerator” logic—using a high-level assistant role to sharpen coaching chops while the long-term Devils plan unfolds—reflects a pragmatic approach to a career that has spanned AFL circles for decades.
The landscape: where the deals stand and what fans should expect
With clubs hitting the 2pm moratorium timestamp and the 7.30pm deadline looming, it’s a critical moment for teams to lock in players and staff who will influence next season’s pecking order. The trade period has a track record of late-breaking stories—alley-oop passes and last-second swerves that rewrite premiership calculations. This year is no exception, with a blend of star power and strategic gambits driving the conversation.
As always, not every deal will be ratified instantly. The AFL typically approves deals in batches after thorough review, meaning fans may see a flurry of activity, followed by a quiet spell as final confirmations roll in. The ultimate outcome will shape clubs’ plans for 2026 and beyond, as recruiters, coaches, and executives navigate one of sport’s most uncertain and exciting windows.
What to watch next
Keep an eye on: final settlement on Charlie Curnow’s status, any late bids involving Petracca, Merrett, and other marquee names, and Buckley’s evolving role at Geelong as an indicator of how coaching landscapes shift in real time. The last day of the AFL trade period 2025 promises to deliver both drama and clarity as teams finalise their rosters for a competitive year ahead.
