AFL

Trade HQ

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - JULY 19: Zak Butters of the Power looks dejected after a loss during the 2025 AFL Round 19 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Port Adelaide Power at UTAS Stadium on July 19, 2025 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

‘I want to be there to see that’: Butters on bigger Port picture

There’s a view Zak Butters might have left Alberton during the trade period if Port was open to a move – but the AFL’s most in-demand free agent says otherwise. But what about next year?

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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Josh Weddle of the Hawks celebrates a goal during the AFL First Semi Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval on September 12, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

$10 million man? Hawks unbothered by Dons’ ‘PR move’

There are a host of guns with contracts set to expire at the end of next year. Josh Weddle may just be the most fascinating case of the lot. Will he re-sign? JON RALPH has his say.

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NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. May 9th, 2025 . AFL . Round 9. St Kilda vs Carlton at the MCG. Charlie Curnow of the Blues celebrates a 1st quarter goal . Picture: Michael Klein

‘Long year’: Carlton insider reveals how Swans can help Charlie thrive

Former Carlton footy boss Brad Lloyd knows all about what Charlie Curnow brings to the table — both on and off the field. Lloyd assesses Curnow’s 2025 and what he can provide the Swans.

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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 10: Zak Butters of the Power during the 2025 AFL Round 09 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on May 10, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Done deal? Former coach names Butters’ potential next club

He’s committed to Port Adelaide for 2026 but where will Zak Butters be after that? Chad Cornes, who worked closely with the Power star, might have the answer.

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Ruthless Swans show the way.

Ruthless Swans’ sacrifice shows way where Hawks, Cats fell short

It was a similar philosophy that saw the Cats and Hawks miss out on a big fish. Josh Barnes looks at the delicate balance of chasing stars while maintaining a strong locker room culture.

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GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 16: Matt Rowell of the Suns looks on during the round one AFL match between Gold Coast Suns and Adelaide Crows at People First Stadium, on March 16, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Suns’ tipping point: What needs to happen to keep Rowell from Cats

Geelong is yet again in pursuit of a star rival midfielder, this time it being Matt Rowell. But is it actually possible? Callum Dick examines the possibility of Rowell in the blue and white hoops.

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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Sam Draper of the Bombers tackles Zak Butters of the Power during the 2023 AFL Round 08 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Essendon Bombers at Adelaide Oval on May 7, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The unsigned AFL stars Crows and Power must chase in 2025

Both South Australian clubs have been aggressive in adding to their lists across the past few years, so why should that stop in 2025? Simeon Thomas-Wilson highlights the names to watch.

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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 27: Tayla Harris of the Demons celebrates winning the AFLW Grand Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Melbourne Demons at Brighton Homes Arena on November 27, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

AFLW deadline day: Harris’ cloudy future after Hawks deal collapses

After two weeks of negotiation, Tayla Harris’ future remains in doubt after the Hawks and Demons could not agree to a deal for the star forward. Recap AFLW trade deadline day here.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 26: Najwa Allen of the Crows and Jenna Bruton of the Kangaroos compete for the ball during the 2023 AFLW Second Preliminary Final match between The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos and The Adelaide Crows at IKON Park on November 26, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Trade latest: Premiership defender requests trade to Hawthorn

With the AFLW trade period about to officially open, and the first fully national draft around the corner, clubs are in deep discussion about how to improve their lists. Here’s the latest.

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HOBART, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Oscar Allen of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the round 22 AFL match between North Melbourne Kangaroos and West Coast Eagles at Blundstone Arena, on August 10, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Balta, Fogarty mega deals set high price in barren tall market

The long-term deals signed by Darcy Fogarty and Noah Balta have set the standard in the key-position market, with clubs likely to need six or seven-year offers to keep their stars around.

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Sydney's Chad Warner and team after their loss after the 2024 AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions at the MCG on September 28, 2024. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - Â©Phil Hillyard )

Superstar Swan Cox’s first priority, but is it enough to keep him?

Dean Cox has a lot to do in his first weeks as head coach of the Sydney Swans. But there’s no doubt what his first priority should be, making sure one of the biggest stars at the Swans stays put.

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Matilda Scholz at The Alberton Oval in Alberton SA. Pictured on Nov 14th 2024. Picture: Ben Clark

Scholz happens: Inside the world of AFLW’s next mega star

She’s only 19, but Port Adelaide’s Matilda Scholz is already the next big thing in AFLW. She chats to SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON about embracing attention, her rise to stardom and her gifted sporting family.

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PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Harley Reid of the Eagles exchanges words with Nat Fyfe of the Dockers during the round 20 AFL match between Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium, on July 27, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Reid’s Ransom: Eagles rejected Vic club’s ‘best offer ever’ for Harley

A year on, the picture is clearer on what could have been if West Coast gave up the rights to Harley Reid, with one trade offer likely the best pitch ever made. See what it looks like now.

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AFL future trades last decade

Gambles that went bust: Every club’s best and worst future trade

There have now been 10 trade periods in which future picks could be moved by AFL clubs. Check out each sides’ best and worst move, including a big Magpie bungle.

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NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. October 17 , 2024. AFL. Bailey Smith tries on the hoops for the first time after being traded to Geelong from the Western Bulldogs . . Pic : Michael Klein

Geelong connection, mega trade: Inside Cats’ quest to secure Smith

Geelong’s attempts to lure Bailey Smith began well before this season. The Cats’ list boss Andrew Mackie sheds light on how it unfolded and the drama of deadline day.

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PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 27: Tom Barrass of the Eagles looks exhausted during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Essendon Bombers at Optus Stadium on May 27, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Trade grades: How Eagles flunked Barrass, Baker deals

West Coast fans were livid with their club’s efforts at the trade table – and rightly so, writes JOSH BARNES, with the Eagles fleeced. See every trade graded.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Craig McRae, Senior Coach of the Magpies and Michael Voss, Senior Coach of the Blues are seen after the 2024 AFL Round 08 match between the Carlton Blues and the Collingwood Magpies at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 03, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Draft vs talent: Will Pies or Blues’ philosophy be proven right?

Arch rivals Carlton and Collingwood have adopted different strategies in their search for their next premiership. Which path will prove successful? JON RALPH examines the question.

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Port Adelaide Prison Bars, Miles Bergman and Dan Houston Picture: Matt Sampson

First time? Houston’s Pies love-in not so ‘black and white’

Dan Houston has rubbed salt into the wounds of Port Adelaide supporters by declaring his joy at wearing the black and white jumper “for the first time” after being traded to Collingwood.

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NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. August 24, 2024. AFL Round 24. Richmond vs Gold Coast Suns at the MCG. Richmonds Daniel Rioli during the 3rd qtr. . Pic: Michael Klein

Critics be damned: Gold Coast won the trade period

The football world has finally wised up to the Gold Coast Suns’ list building strategy but after Wednesday’s deadline day trades, is it too late to stop them?

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AnalysisAFL

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 13: Bailey Smith of the Bulldogs celebrates kicking a goal during the round 22 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Marvel Stadium on August 13, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

How Smith steal turbocharges Cats’ flag pursuit

Bailey Smith isn’t perfect, but he is just what the Cats need as they vie for a premiership. And they got him cheap as chips. See what his inclusion means and their possible round 1 side.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 16: General scenes during the final day of the 2024 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period at Marvel Stadium on October 16, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Inside Trade Period: Clubs exploiting right to ‘take the p***’

The frantic finish to this year’s AFL Trade Period reinforced clubs are being allowed to “take the p***” by cramming 10 days of work into a few hours, writes SCOTT GULLAN.

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Big names in 2024 AFL trades

Trade recap: Every move, who soared, flopped this trade period?

After a trade period that went from snoozefest to chaos, catch up on every move. What did your club do and how are they placed for the draft? Plus, every club’s moves rated.

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MELBOURNE. 03/06/2022.. AFL Round 12. Western Bulldogs vs Geelong at Marvel Stadium. Bulldog Bailey Smith breaks from the Luke Dahlhaus of the Cats tackle . Photo by Michael Klein

Inside deadline day: How close did Smith deal come to disaster?

Bailey Smith was left to wait until the last minute of the trade period as a host of key deals unfolded in a frantic final 30 minutes. Those closest to the Smith deal reveal how it went down.

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GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Matthew Nicks, Senior Coach of the Crows is seen during the round 21 AFL match between Geelong Cats and Adelaide Crows at GMHBA Stadium, on August 03, 2024, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

No excuses: Now’s the time for Crows’ measured rebuild to deliver

The Crows have completed a strong off-season led by list boss Justin Reid, adding veteran talents and keeping their top pick. Now it’s time to deliver, writes Matt Turner.

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Chad Warner of the Swans celebrates a goal during the 2024 AFL First Preliminary Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Port Adelaide Power at The Sydney Cricket Ground on September 20, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Trade wrap: Eagles get head start on Dockers in Warner sweepstakes

It took until the last few minutes for the Eagles to dig themselves out of their Tom Barrass hole, now they’ve got a fair lead on their rivals Fremantle as the battle for Chad Warner heats up.

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 16: Dan Houston of the Power in action during the round 14 AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Port Adelaide Power at ENGIE Stadium on June 16, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Port blinked on Houston – but they can still emerge winners

Port Adelaide wanted more for Dan Houston – they didn’t get it. But as MATT TURNER writes, the Power can still come out on top in their three-way trade with the Pies and Suns.

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UPDATEDTrade HQ

Dan Houston Jack Luksoius deal

‘Under par’: Inside the twists and turns of the Houston bombshell

Dan Houston got his wish to be a Magpie, but it certainly wasn’t that simple, as the story that has dominated the trade period threatened to go off the rails. So how did they get it done?

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 12: Bailey Smith of the Bulldogs gicves the thumbs up during the 2024 AFL Round 05 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Essendon Bombers at Marvel Stadium on April 12, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Trade countdown: Verdicts on the key names still in play

There are a dozen players still a chance to move clubs as the clock ticks toward the trade period deadline. See full verdicts on all the deals here.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Michael Voss, Senior Coach of the Blues looks on during the 2024 AFL Round 24 match between the Carlton Blues and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on August 25, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Blues trade heist: The move that ends three-decade flag wait?

A midfield of dreams. That’s what Blues fans are hoping for after their bold move up the draft order. And on paper it makes so much sense in their premiership chase, writes JON RALPH.

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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUG 17: Dan Houston of the Power with fans after the win during the 2024 AFL Round 23 match between the port Adelaide Power and the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on August 17, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Trade shock: Mega deal off as Port threaten to send Houston to rival

In a late twist, Port Adelaide has stunned Collingwood by pulling out of a three-way trade while threatening to deal with a rival club on Dan Houston.

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