Veteran back-up ruck Tom Campbell didn’t play at all this season but has penned another deal off the back of some excellent VFL form; continuing to serve as Max Gawn insurance. Young duo Judd McVee and Taj Woewodin remain unsigned, as interest from Western Australia remains live. His star teammate Christian Petracca is also expected to be heavily pursued by rival clubs such as Hawthorn, though he remains contracted through 2029, and the Hawks might end up landing Essendon captain Zach Merrett instead. Though Aleer has gotten more opportunities this year (he’s not a best-23 lock anyway and remains stuck behind Sam Taylor), Jack Buckley and Connor Idun in Adam Kingsley’s star-studded defence. Flanders is weighing up his options and a return to Victoria for a bigger role elsewhere after being forced to play more across half-forward this year under Damien Hardwick. That list includes Rhys Stanley (who keeps on keeping on at age 34), and his future could be tied to whether or not the Cats acquire an established ruckman on the trade market.
- A bigger role elsewhere and a return to Victoria are options Flanders is weighing, having been forced to play more across half-forward this year in Hardwick’s side.
- Landing one of those two stars might hinder their bid for Zak Butters next year, but that’s a concern for another trade period.
- Are there any senior-specific deals at IntercityHotel Celle?
- To be fair, Hawthorn attempted to pressure Essendon into giving up Merrett, knowing they wouldn’t get a top player in return.
- Collingwood has reportedly used Nick Daicos in its pursuit of a rival superstar.
Howe to miss for Pies as Blues make three changes: AFL teams and expert tips for round 19
He’s an All-Australian ruckman — and his team is 7-2 this season when he plays. According to CODE Sports reporter Jon NRL news and betting Ralph — the Western Bulldogs have no interest in trading All-Australian ruck Tim English. Greene is unsigned beyond this season and could be headed to Geelong, with reports linking him to the Cats.
A ‘win’ for West Coast?
Merrett’s got to be bitterly disappointed tonight after everything that’s transpired over the last month or so. “We put a number of options to the Crows (it could have been achieved in multiple ways but at the end of the day they chose to put forward the offer they chose), and it didn’t meet our needs.” Cal Twomey reports Geelong’s final offer was pick 19 and a future second-round pick, which St Kilda did not accept. “There was a conversation on day one, we offered up pick 19 straight away … from there they seemed to pivot to not trading him.”
Suns’ Craig Cameron confirmed an offer was made to Fiorini. GWS ruck Nick Madden is of interest to the Tigers, who need to consider Toby Nankervis replacements. Melbourne is actively seeking top-end talent — including Zak Butters.
AFL confirmed trades, free agency done deals 2025
Collingwood’s Ed Allan could be another option if he’s keen to move back to his home state, despite a career-best 13 senior games in 2025. Trade rumors have surrounded rucking duo Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy all year, but Jackson has decided to stay. Brodie is contracted at Cockburn for another season, so the club aims to secure draft capital in return. Draper would be the clear No. 1 ruck at Brisbane, with Darcy Fort as the backup.
Ollie Florent was part of a rejected trade offer to Carlton for Curnow, but the clubs have now agreed to send him to the Blues. Since CEO Carl Dilena’s interview on October 10 — the Saints haven’t publicly commented on the deal. Rowan Marshall requested a trade to Geelong, but the Saints refused to let him go. Hawthorn presented Essendon with a significant offer, but the Dons have so far held firm that he will stay at Tullamarine.
- Rumors of a move for St Kilda skipper Jack Steele continue, but he could be a beneficial midfield acquisition for Andrew McQualter’s side.
- After Callum Wilkie decided to stay with the Saints, are the Dogs after another key defender?
- Flanders is expected to decide on his 2026 club soon, with Melbourne and Carlton also reportedly interested.
- While Hawthorn is favored to land Humphrey, Cleary said the Demons shouldn’t be ruled out.
On the fifth day of the AFL trade period, deals were confirmed.
Beyond 2026, the 24-year-old superstar’s future remains uncertain. Despite their light key defensive stocks, the Dogs’ lack of interest in GWS’ Leek Aleer is surprising. A five-year deal is on the table for Marcus Windhager, but there are no guarantees he’ll accept it. Max Heath, another Saint without a deal beyond 2025, could be of interest to Melbourne.
According to the Cats boss, the focus is not on avoiding issues with Smith.
It was previously reported that Melbourne was prepared to pay around $ for Oliver’s existing contract. Cleary initially thought Merrett would stay at the Bombers but now believes Essendon has “softened”. Essendon hasn’t shut the door on this latest offer,” said Mitch Cleary on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters. The Cats are making one last attempt, but hope is fading for a Marshall move to the Cattery.
