TRADE HUB All the latest player movement news
TRADE TRACKER Get the details of every trade
INDICATIVE DRAFT ORDER Your club's picks as they stand
There were surprises aplenty in a huge Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period as players chased bigger deals, more game time and hometown returns.
So did your club get the players it was chasing? Who ended up at a new home? Who ended up staying? How are you placed ahead of the AFL Draft?
Who arrived: Harry Cunningham
Who left: Jordon Butts
Future picks: The Crows added a fourth-round selection in next year's Draft from Port Adelaide while retaining all of their own selections for 2027 and 2028 Drafts.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 15, 32, 35, 43, 56, 92, 110
We say: The Crows stood firm in their demands for a top 20 pick in exchange for Nick Murray and will now hope the contracted key defender can justify their hardline stance to deny him a trade to North Melbourne. In knocking back the Kangaroos' offer of picks 33 and 49 as well as future first and third-round picks, the Crows put an extremely high price on Murray, reflecting his importance structurally after the loss of backman Jordon Butts as a free agent. They lost Luke Pedlar to Port Adelaide in a trade that saw them climb from pick 34 to 32 while adding only Harry Cunningham from Sydney as a delisted free agent. The defender will bring experience and exceptional leadership, but the Crows will need improvement from within after missing out on Brisbane star Zac Bailey and failing to land another star target. – Nathan Schmook
Who arrived: Nil
Who left: Keidean Coleman, Sam Marshall, Will McLachlan, Lachie Neale
Future picks: The Lions solidified next year's draft hand with a first rounder from St Kilda and a couple of seconds from the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne. They swapped that future second with the Demons for their own second rounder as part of the McLachlan trade.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 21, 27, 28, 45, 79, 97, 115
We say: If a club can be forgiven for having a quiet period, it's the three-time reigning champions, who have built a powerful list in recent years. The Lions prioritised re-signing free agent Zac Bailey late in the year and extending the deal for young superstar Logan Morris and something had to give. That something was depth. As an unrestricted free agent, Lachie Neale’s move played out publicly for months, but Keidean Coleman, Sam Marshall and Will McLachlan could argue they were next cab off the rank respectively in defence, the midfield and forward line, but understandably pushed for greater opportunities elsewhere. Brisbane is still extremely well placed to challenge in 2027 but losing that quartet for nothing back the other way erodes their depth. – Michael Whiting
Who arrived: Lachie Whitfield, Joel Amartey
Who left: Flynn Riley, Hudson O'Keeffe
Future picks: The Blues brought in a third- and fourth-round pick in 2028, but gave up a 2028 third-rounder for Whitfield. They still have Sydney's first-round pick next year after the Charlie Curnow trade 12 months ago.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 13, 18, 31, 50, 61, 72, 90, 108
We say: The Blues have been one of the big winners of the trade period, bringing in two best-23 players and likely holding onto enough draft picks to match a bid on another, father-son Cody Walker. Joel Amartey and Lachie Whitfield will walk into Carlton's best side in 2027 and the flow-on effects should be positive, especially for the likes of Ben McKay in the forward line. The loss of two young rucks hurts their depth so they'll be hoping for a big year from Marc Pittonet next season. - Martin Smith
Who arrived: Lachie Neale, Jesse Hogan, Flynn Riley
Who left: Scott Pendlebury
Future picks: The Magpies targeted the free agency market heavily this year, so expended very little future draft capital. A 2028 third-round pick went out the door for young ruck Riley, but that's all.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 11, 30, 67, 68, 70, 88, 106
We say: The Pies have targeted players who will make them immediately stronger as they seek to surround the AFL's best player, Nick Daicos, with more weapons. Lachie Neale takes instant pressure off Daicos in the midfield, while 2024 Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan gives the forward line another focal point to help Dan McStay. Collingwood had interest in developing ruck Flynn Riley before Carlton picked him in this year's mid-season rookie draft, and prised him out of the Blues with a longer-term deal. They missed in their pursuit of Richmond defender Jayden Short, ultimately unable to fulfil the Tigers' demands for the contracted two-time premiership star despite offering a deal that involved a future second-round pick. Club legend Scott Pendlebury left with the Pies' blessing as he looked to transition into a post-playing career at Gold Coast. – Michael Rogers
Who arrived: Jack Bowes, Keidean Coleman
Who left: Zach Merrett, Jordan Ridley
Future picks: With father-son prospect Koby Bewick on the radar next year, the Bombers added a first-round pick from Geelong to go with their own. They also added two 2028 second-rounders to their hand to work with, while sending a fourth-rounder of that year to the Cats as part of the Ridley trade.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 1, 17, 25, 80, 98
We say: The Bombers let two wantaway players in Zach Merrett and Jordan Ridley go early in the Trade Period, boosting both their current and future draft hands, and also giving them the chance to add some much-needed classy ball use with a late trade for Keidean Coleman, which involved pick No.27 and a slide back from 21 to 25. Jack Bowes will also add much-needed experience after his move from the Cats. With three top-25 picks and another set to follow as compensation for its selection being pushed back due to a bid on Dougie Cochrane, the Bombers are also going to hit the draft hard as their rebuild continues. – Dejan Kalinic
Who arrived: Dominic Bedendo
Who left: Nathan O'Driscoll
Future picks: The Dockers retained their full hand of selections in both 2027 and 2028, engaging in no pick swaps.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 19, 40, 60, 63, 78, 96, 114
We say: If any club could afford to sit out this year's Trade Period and look ahead to the Draft, it was Fremantle. The Dockers have built an exceptional list through the Draft and then by adding strategic trade targets, with no obvious options this year to enhance their group. They asked the question of Lawson Humphries but were told the contracted half-back was committed at Geelong. Their one move on the wing made sense from a list perspective. Nathan O'Driscoll was not satisfied by a three-year offer and will have more opportunities to grow at Richmond, which handed over pick 63. The Dockers, meanwhile, can replace the role and save cap space with VFL recruit and former Western Bulldogs player Dominic Bedendo knowing they have a terrific track record with state-league recruits. – Nathan Schmook
Who arrived: Toby Greene, Rowan Marshall, Jordan Ridley
Who left: Jack Bowes
Future picks: The Cats traded away their 2027 first-round pick in the Jordan Ridley deal, but retain two 2027 second-rounders alongside extra third- and fourth-round selections across 2028.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 36, 57, 62, 75, 93, 111
We say: Geelong’s 2026 trade period was defined by aggressive list management and high-profile acquisitions. The Cats successfully landed star ruck Rowan Marshall, giving up pick 14 in the deal, alongside experienced utility Toby Greene and defender Jordan Ridley. The Ridley trade also cost Geelong its 2027 first-round pick, underlining the club's willingness to invest heavily in established talent. The Cats also navigated significant external interest in Gryan Miers and fielded questions around Sam De Koning, while a brief pursuit of Nick Blakey ultimately failed to gain traction. Although missing out on Zak Butters was a disappointment, Geelong’s proactive approach has positioned it strongly for future free agency campaigns, with Matt Rowell among the names linked to the club. With veterans retiring and list turnover creating flexibility, the Cats have significantly strengthened their spine and key-position stocks, positioning themselves for an immediate premiership challenge. - Emily Patterson
Who arrived: Sam Butler, Scott Pendlebury, Aidan Schubert
Who left: Ben King
Future picks: The Suns got their own third round selection back next year from Hawthorn and then took a punt in swapping 2028 first rounders with the Hawks. They also parted way with a second round pick next year.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 8, 81, 85, 103
We say: With Ben King having a foot out the door for the final three months of the season, this period was all about the Suns maximising their haul for the goalkicking free agent. In Aidan Schubert they have another young tall to slot in behind Jed Walter and Ethan Read, and adding Sam Butler brings more experience and depth to a half-forward line that chopped and changed a bit in 2026. Scott Pendlebury’s much-publicised addition will be as much help off the field as it is on, with his cool head around the changeroom the perfect tonic for a high-pressure year ahead that will be scrutinised for on-field results and the off-field contract status of free agents Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell. – Michael Whiting
Who arrived: Nil
Who left: Kieren Briggs, Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Jake Stringer, Lachie Whitfield
Future picks: The Giants retain all of their 2027 future selections while adding an extra 2028 third-round pick from the Blues.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 9, 20, 26, 59, 77, 86, 104
We say: Greater Western Sydney executed a clear shift in strategy during the 2026 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, pivoting to a full-scale list refresh. By accepting the departures of established stars including Toby Greene, Lachie Whitfield, Jesse Hogan, Kieren Briggs and Jake Stringer without bringing in a single external player, the Giants prioritised draft capital over immediate list replenishment. With Tasmania's entry looming in 2027 and expected to tighten access to elite draft talent, GWS sought to maximise value from its aging players. The club secured picks 25 and 26 from Carlton in the Whitfield trade before using part of that haul in a pick swap with Brisbane to acquire pick 20. With picks 9, 20, 26 and 59, GWS holds a strong, flexible hand. Pick 9 provides valuable draft points to help match an expected early bid on Academy prospect Ethan Matthews while preserving flexibility deeper in the draft. The departures leave Tom Green and Finn Callaghan as central figures in the club's next phase. - Emily Patterson
Who arrived: Ben King, Zach Merrett, Josh Goater
Who left: Sam Butler, Finn Maginness, Aidan Schubert, Bodie Ryan
Future picks: The Hawks secured a 2027 second-round selection and 2028 R1 and R2 picks in the deal for Aidan Schubert and Sam Butler. The 2027 third-round pick (tied to Port Adelaide) they received in the mega trade was then sent to North Melbourne for Josh Goater. Also on the way out are 2028 first-, second- and third-round picks.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 29, 37, 71, 94, 107, 112
We say: After falling agonisingly short of a Grand Final berth, the Hawks moved decisively to add polish, presence and more top-end talent to Sam Mitchell's list. Zach Merrett was the headline act, arriving after a long pursuit to give Hawthorn the classy midfield operator it craved. Ben King was another major win as a free agent, adding serious firepower to an already potent forward mix. Josh Goater was a late, low-cost inclusion who brings defensive depth after an injury-interrupted run at North Melbourne. Sam Butler, Aidan Schubert (both Gold Coast) and Finn Maginness (Western Bulldogs) all departed for greater opportunity, while the delisted Bodie Ryan was traded to Melbourne in a huge late surprise. All in all, the Hawks attacked the trade period with an intent to further bolster a list they believe is ready to win a flag. - Brandon Cohen
Who arrived: Zane Duursma, Will McLachlan
Who left: Jack Viney, Trent Rivers
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 4, 14, 48, 52
Future picks: The Demons gave up their 2027 first-round pick, Gold Coast-linked 2027 third-rounder and a 2028 fourth-rounder in the mega deal that netted them, among other assets, pick No.4 this year. They also traded 2027 and 2028 second-rounders to Brisbane and West Coast respectively in the Will McLachlan and Jack Viney-Trent Rivers deals. Coming back were a 2027 second-rounder from Brisbane, plus 2027 second- and fourth-rounders and a 2028 second-rounder from West Coast.
We say: It was a fruitful trade period for the Demons in terms of both players and picks. Both of Melbourne's targets landed, with former No.4 pick Zane Duursma arriving at the club early in the trade period, while Brisbane forward Will McLachlan joined in the dying minutes. The Demons also farewelled premiership pair Trent Rivers and Jack Viney, who both made the move to West Coast. Melbourne emerged as a major player in a five-club mega deal, most notably by climbing to pick No.4 while also securing a handful of other selections that helped unlock deals for McLachlan and Duursma. The Demons will head into November's draft with picks 4 and 12, making it eight first-round selections in four years. - Alison O'Connor
Who arrived: Nick Blakey
Who left: Zane Duursma
Future picks: The Roos dug deep into the future pick stash, trading out their 2027 second-round pick, and their first two picks in 2028 as part of the Blakey deal, but getting the Swans' 2028 second-round pick in return.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 33, 49, 66, 74, 84, 102
We say: A seismic trade period for the Roos as the successful pursuit of Nick Blakey with a eight-year, $11 million-plus deal catapulted the club into the headlines. He commanded a rightfully hefty price but the former Swan is North's best football recruit in years, if not decades, and complements the burgeoning young talent on the Kangas' list. If Blakey can reproduce his best form – and there is no reason to suggest his on-field output will diminish – the outlay will be worth it. North's bid to pull key defender Nick Murray out of Adelaide was scuppered at the end, with the Crows standing firm on their contracted big man despite the Roos' late Hail Mary offer that included their 2027 first-round pick and three other selections. – Michael Rogers
Who arrived: Luke Pedlar
Who left: Zak Butters
Future picks: Port has loaded up here to ensure they have enough points in 2027 to match bids on tied players Louis Salopek and Zemes Pilot. They have first round picks from Melbourne and Richmond, along with second and fourth rounders and a 2028 first tied to the Dogs.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 7, 12, 22, 24, 34, 46, 65, 101
We say: Port lost the best player to change clubs when Zak Butters opted to go to the Bulldogs via free agency. However, by orchestrating the 'mega deal' with four other clubs, they did a brilliant job to restock the cupboard alongside the free agency compensation pick received for the three-time All-Australian. Not only does Port have enough points to match a bid on projected No.1 father/son draft pick Dougie Cochrane, but by trading pick five to Richmond, they’re well equipped in 2027 to acquire Louis Salopek (father/son) and Zemes Pilot (NGA). From losing one of the competition’s best players, they’ve salvaged as well as anyone could expect. The Power snuck Luke Pedlar in from arch rival Adelaide at the last minute - Michael Whiting
Who arrived: Kieren Briggs, Nathan O’Driscoll
Who left: Nil
Future picks: Richmond handed its first-, second- and fourth-round selections in next year's draft to Port Adelaide. Nothing new came back, leaving the Tigers with little current capital in 2027.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 2, 5, 44, 99
We say: Richmond completed one of the trade period's first moves when it picked up GWS ruckman Kieren Briggs as a free agent, then satisfied Fremantle with a fourth-round selection for Nathan O'Driscoll. Both were calculated moves as the Tigers look to give Toby Nankervis support in the ruck, as well as adding another pacy wingman to complement the savvy deal done for Patrick Retschko last year. The pick swap to secure pick No.5 from Port Adelaide was a bonus, and a big one at that. On paper Richmond paid overs, but with another pair of prized high picks coming in it will now have 10 first-round draftees taken over a three-year period, a terrific core to carry the club's fortunes for a decade or more. Expect the Tigers to make big moves on free agents this time next year. – Howard Kimber
Who arrived: Sam Marshall
Who left: Rowan Marshall
Future picks: The Saints parted with their 2027 first-round pick as part of the Sam Marshall deal, while also sending their 2028 third-round pick to the Cats along with Rowan Marshall. In addition to the rest of their own 2027 and 2028 selections, they also have a 2027 third-rounder from West Coast, and 2027 third and fourth-round picks from Melbourne carrying over from last year’s trade period.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 10, 16, 41, 51, 69, 87, 105
We say: Sam Marshall in, Rowan Marshall out. The Saints parted with ruck Rowan and boosted their draft hand in the process, as well as bringing in midfielder Sam. With R.Marshall hellbent on getting to the Cattery to the point of boycotting a Best and Fairest, a first-round pick is a good trade for a player who clearly didn’t want to be at the Saints in 2027. At 20 years old, S.Marshall is already a premiership player which is a rarity at Moorabbin, and will bolster St Kilda’s young midfield core nicely.
Who arrived: Nil
Who left: Taylor Adams, Joel Amartey, Nick Blakey, Harry Cunningham
Future picks: Sydney traded away its 2027 first-round pick in exchange for extra 2027 second-rounders from Carlton and North Melbourne, while also securing the Roos’ 2028 first- and second-round selections.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 6, 38, 39, 47, 54, 76, 95, 113
We say: The Swans underwent a major structural pivot during the trade period, headlined by the high-profile departure of Nick Blakey to North Melbourne. While losing an influential talent in Blakey, along with the experience of veterans Taylor Adams, Joel Amartey and Harry Cunningham, will sting, the club engineered a formidable draft hand. Securing pick 6, pick 47 and North Melbourne's future early selections has provided the Swans with significant draft capital and access to elite youth. List manager Chris Keane emphasised the club's readiness to capitalise on this premium position, saying the club was "really excited" by what pick 6 represents and the calibre of player available. The selection has been linked to prospects including Gus Teixeira, Ethan Drever, Harry Van Hattum, Arki Butler and key defender Mitchell Harris. Though losing Blakey alters the club's immediate trajectory, its growing war chest of picks strengthens its long-term position, ensuring the Swans remain active at the pointy end of future drafts. - Emily Patterson
Who arrived: Trent Rivers, Jack Viney
Who left: Nil
Future picks: The Eagles gave up selections in next year's second and fourth rounds, while swapping second-round picks with Melbourne in 2028.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 3, 23, 58, 64, 73, 82, 100
We say: By adding Trent Rivers and Jack Viney from Melbourne, the Eagles tick two boxes without a large outlay, giving up pick 45, a future fourth-round pick, and swapping future second-round selections with the Demons in 2028. Rivers has talent and will improve the 23, potentially slotting into the midfield. Viney meanwhile brings leadership, experience, and a fresh voice and role model for young players when coach Andrew McQualter is setting standards for his team. Viney's physicality will help in the midfield, but opportunities and responsibility still need to be directed towards the club's young stars. It was a successful trade period for the club, which retained its prized pick No.3. Expressed interest in Port Adelaide's pick No.5 in what would have been a massive coup but were outgunned by Richmond. – Nathan Schmook
Who arrived: Zak Butters, Finn Maginness, Hudson O'Keeffe, Jordon Butts
Who left: Nil
Future picks: The Dogs gave up a first-round pick in 2028 as part of the mega trade and a 2027 second-rounder on Deadline Day, but are still well stocked for picks in the next two years. They still have their first-rounder next year as well as three future seconds, four future thirds and four future fourths.
2026 Telstra AFL Draft picks: 42, 53, 55, 83, 89, 91, 109
We say: One of the biggest winners of the period, the Dogs absolutely nailed their No.1 priority - bringing Zak Butters to the club. One of the biggest signings in club history, Butters means the Dogs will have arguably the best midfield trio in the AFL next year, while Jordon Butts is the defensive stopper they've been crying out for. They've also addressed their ruck depth issues by bringing in Hudson O'Keeffe, and Finn Maginness could play a defensive role throughout next year. They've given up a lot of draft capital to get the deals done but still should have enough points to match a bid on NGA prospect Khaled El Souki, and look primed to explode in 2027. - Martin Smith