After a massive off-season filled with drama and surprises, twists and turns, The Nightly looks at the biggest AFL superstars who found new homes and colours across the league.

Here are the eight moves set to shake up the 2025 season.

DANIEL RIOLI

In the worst-kept secret of the trade period, Daniel Rioli was granted his wish to re-unite with Richmond premiership coach Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast.

The Suns gave up picks six and 23 to the wooden spooners to secure Rioli, as well as four late picks in the swap.

The trade bolstered the Tigers draft hand to unprecedented levels, giving them eight first-round selections for 2024.

It came a fortnight after Rioli claimed the Jack Dyer Medal last year as Richmond’s club champion.

TOM BARRASS

After 150 games for West Coast, Tom Barrass ruffled plenty of feathers when he requested a trade to the Hawks.

Departing one nest for another, the 2018 premiership defender and a future-fourth headed east in a trade that came down to the final half hour of the trade period.

The Eagles received Hawthorn’s 2025 first, second and third-round picks in the deal.

Barrass said while he loved his time at West Coast, his football had become “stale” before he was pursued by Hawks coach Sam Mitchell, leading to his trade request.

LIAM BAKER

West Coast caused outrage among the club’s supporter base when it coughed up pick three in a three-club trade for two uncontracted players.

The Eagles received superstar vice captain Liam Baker from Richmond in one of the best off-season coups, with the 27-year-old — who has already been named in their leadership team — set to add much needed experience to their backline.

They also received Matt Owies from Carton, as well as picks 12 and 73, to hand over the podium pick and a couple of late selections.

Softening the blow was the free agency acquisition of Baker’s premiership teammate Jack Graham, and more importantly, the draft steal of top local talent Bo Allan, who slid to their first selection.

BAILEY SMITH

It went right down to the wire, but a four-club mega-trade on the buzzer saw three players move homes in the final minutes of the AFL Trade Period.

Despite requesting a trade to Geelong early in the off-season, the Western Bulldogs had held firm on Bailey Smith despite being uncontracted and missing the entire 2024 season with an ACL injury.

In the end, the Dogs let go of both Smith (to the Cats) and Jack Macrae, who was traded to St Kilda.

In a deal that also involved Carlton, the Dogs received midfielder Matt Kennedy and pick 38.

SHAI BOLTON

In arguably the biggest move of the AFL Trade Period, Fremantle cashed in two of their three first-round picks to secure superstar forward Shai Bolton.

The Dockers sent Richmond picks 10, 11 and 18 in exchange for the premiership Tiger, pick 14 and a future third-round selection.

Signing a five-year deal, the 26-year-old filled the biggest need for the club’s list, an elite small forward who can push up and provide a spark in the midfield.

With Bolton in purple, can the Dockers finally claim an elusive maiden premiership?

DAN HOUSTON

Port Adelaide knew they had a problem when star defender Dan Houston told the club of his wish to return to Victoria.

He met with Carlton, St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood, with Port seeking two first-round picks in a swap for the 27-year-old, leading to a stalemate.

With three years remaining on his contract, Port had the power. It took a three-club mega-trade to get the two-time All-Australian out of Alberton, involving picks and players–and Gold Coast getting involved.

Aside from a host of picks, high and low, Jack Lukosius, Joe Richards, Rory Atkins, John Noble and Houston all switched clubs to ensure Houston landed at the Pies.

JAKE STRINGER

In another deal that came down to the dramatic final minutes, Jake Stringer became a three-club player.

Having hit a trigger with Essendon for 2025, Stringer was searching for a longer deal.

It looked dead in the water when Greater Western Sydney withdrew their interest before coming back to the table with a two-year offer for the 30-year-old in exchange for pick 53.

The Giants became his third AFL home after more than 200 games for the Bombers and Western Bulldogs.

JOSH BATTLE

In one of the first off-season moves, St Kilda bid farewell to key defender Josh Battle.

As an unrestricted free agent, the 26-year-old joined Hawthorn on a six-year deal.

But it was the free agency compensation that caused a stir, with the club receiving a first-round selection (pick eight) in the AFL Draft for losing Battle.