AFL trade period: Follow the latest news and developments from day four of trading action
We’re almost at the halfway point of the trade period - and there are plenty of prospective deals that need to be done.
Some of the biggest names who could potentially shift clubs remain in limbo, with Christian Petracca, Zach Merrett, Clayton Oliver, Charlie Curnow, Rowan Marshall all waiting to have their fate determined.
And from a WA point of view - the Eagles may be looking to get a trade done for Richmond’s Tylar Young, as considering their options for wantaway pair Liam Ryan and Campbell Chesser.
Stay across the latest developments throughout the day with our blog below!
Eagles eyebrow-raiser
Dustin Martin was earlier this week revealed to be in Perth - and it appears last night he caught up with West Coast’s brains trust.
Eagles captaincy contender Liam Baker posted an Instagram story of himself in a photo alongside Martin and West Coast coach Andrew McQualter at dinner.
The words ‘Discussing 2026’ and an emoji of eyes looking at Martin were also included in the picture, which appeared to be taken at steakhouse 6HEAD at Perth’s Elizabeth Quay.
Martin, McQualter and Baker - as well as Jack Graham - were all part of Richmond’s dominant era from 2017 to 2020, which included three premierships (and three Norm Smith medals for Dusty).
Was it merely a catch-up, or is there an off-field role looming for the retired great at the Eagles next year?
EXCLUSIVE: Lion commits
WA’s James Tunstill has been oh-so close to the grand final spotlight, filling the role of emergency in both 2023 and 2025 for Brisbane.
He’s hoping to make a breakthrough next year, and he’s recommitted to the Lions on a new one-year deal, according to Mitchell Woodcock.
Tunstill has played just 12 games in four seasons in Brisbane, including three appearances this year.
Freo’s Brodie poser
Will the Dockers help Will Brodie land at his desired location of Port Adelaide?
It’s likely to be the last move Fremantle makes at the trade table, but looms as a bit trickier than the Liam Reidy shift to Carlton.
That deal saw Freo upgrade slightly with a pair of draft picks, turning 53 and 71 into 50 and 68.
There’s no such parallel with Port, with the Power holding picks 29, 49 and 67 compared to Freo’s 20, 47 and 69.
What gets a deal done for Brodie - and how motivated will both clubs be to make it happen for the depth midfielder, who hasn’t played an AFL game since April 2023?
Hawks’ Merrett update
Hawthorn football manager Rob McCarthy has spoken about the likelihood of Zach Merrett becoming a Hawk before the trade period is done.
The Hawks are keen, but McCarthy sounds realistic about the challenge of getting it done.
“It’ss a difficult one to answer... there’s a lot of work to be done for that to take place,” he said this morning.
“Hawthorn’s a club that’s built on premierships and players of the calibre of Zach would help us get a little closer.”
Eagles eyebrow-raiser
Dustin Martin was earlier this week revealed to be in Perth - and it appears last night he caught up with West Coast’s brains trust.
Eagles captaincy contender Liam Baker posted an Instagram story of himself in a photo alongside Martin and West Coast coach Andrew McQualter at dinner.
The words ‘Discussing 2026’ and an emoji of eyes looking at Martin were also included in the picture, which appeared to be taken at steakhouse 6HEAD at Perth’s Elizabeth Quay.
Martin, McQualter and Baker - as well as Jack Graham - were all part of Richmond’s dominant era from 2017 to 2020, which included three premierships (and three Norm Smith medals for Dusty).
Was it merely a catch-up, or is there an off-field role looming for the retired great at the Eagles next year?
Suns spotlight
Of course, Gold Coast are also looking to trigger a trade for the biggest name who’s in line to shift clubs this month in Christian Petracca.
“We have had some preliminary discussions,” Craig Cameron said of the Suns’ talks with Melbourne.
“I think that will take a little while to work through.”
Is that a move that appears destined to be pushed right until the 4.30pm (WA time) trade deadline on Wednesday?
Ugle-Hagan’s Suns medical
There’s plenty of eyes on what Gold Coast are up to today, with Suns talent manager Craig Cameron providing an update on two prime movers.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is undergoing a medical examination at the Queensland club today as he scopes out a potential move from the Bulldogs.
“We were looking to see someone who was going to make a commitment to getting himself back to a position where he could play consistent football,” Cameron said on Trade Radio.
The Suns have also doubled down on their claims that Bailey Humphrey won’t be shipped under any circumstances.
Humphrey last night posted photos on Instagram with the caption “I’M FROM MOE” - a town about 130km east of Melbourne - with the soundtrack of ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’.
Welcome
Hello and welcome to Thursday of the trade period!
We’ve been blessed with plenty of early action through the opening three days of this year’s swap-fest - more so than in recent seasons.
What will today bring? Stick with us as we keep you across all the major developments and done deals.
