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The AFL trade period opens Monday at Marvel Stadium with Ben King's Hawthorn offer, Zach Merrett's second trade request, and Jack Viney's future among the key storylines across all 18 clubs.
The AFL trade period officially opens on Monday, when list managers from all 18 clubs gather at Marvel Stadium to get serious about the deals that will shape their teams for 2027.
The biggest question is whether Gold Coast will match Hawthorn's free agency offer for Ben King and force a trade. King will head to Hawthorn on a seven-year, $9 million deal, but the free agency compensation of pick No.7 may not satisfy the Suns. Gold Coast could match the Hawks' offer and force a trade for the star goal-kicker.
Gold Coast Targets King and Pendlebury
The Suns may also need to engineer a late trade to secure unrestricted free agent Scott Pendlebury so any AFL compensation for King is not diluted. Gold Coast have yet to indicate whether they will offer Jamarra Ugle-Hagan another one-year deal. Matt Rowell, the 2025 Brownlow medallist, has a year to run on his contract and is weighing a return home to Victoria. If a sweetheart deal was put before the Suns now, would they move early?
Charlie Ballard is likely to stay at Gold Coast. The Suns also face a call on Jared McSummer, who is seeking a fresh start after limited minutes, while Jacyne Ayers has two years left and has been linked to Victoria-based clubs. At Essendon, the focus is again on Zach Merrett, who for the second-straight season is seeking a trade to Hawthorn.
The Hawks have offered picks 15 and 25 in this year's draft plus a future second- or third-round selection, but the Bombers have rebuffed this. It is unclear what will satisfy Essendon when it comes to relinquishing their seven-time best-and-fairest and former skipper. Merrett is contracted for 2027. The Bombers are chasing Melbourne premiership veteran Jack Viney, who could replace Merrett in the midfield.
Essendon and Melbourne Midfield Moves
Essendon defender Jordan Ridley is on Geelong and North Melbourne's radar. Out-of-favour Cat Jack Bowes has requested a trade to the Bombers. Essendon is also deliberating on how to best deploy its final draft pick and is looking to build a centre-forward combination. Melbourne's midfield is under pressure with the departure of senior leader Jack Viney.
The Demons are in talks with Essendon and the Western Bulldogs to attract a top-tier midfielder in exchange for a future draft pick. The club is also negotiating a trade for former St Kilda defender Nathan Shaw, who drew wide compassion after becoming a fan favourite for his bold, attacking play. Collingwood are determined to remain in the premiership mix and have landed three-time Brisbane premiership star Lachie Neale as a free agent.
Brisbane received only pick 39 as compensation, which will not help them match a bid on potential top-10 academy selection Caylen Murray. A fourth-round pick will be enough to secure Giants forward Jesse Hogan, while the Magpies have met with Richmond's rebounding defender Jayden Short. List boss Justin Leppitsch confirmed the Magpies are open to trading Jordan De Goey, who has a year left but wants a long-term deal.
Premiership Contenders Reshape Their Lists
Dan Houston's future remains a point of interest, although he is contracted until the end of 2030 and his management has declared he is going nowhere. Scott Pendlebury will cross to Gold Coast. Geelong were disappointed to miss out on Zak Butters, but can now use that money to load up on other talent. Giants great Toby Greene officially joined on Friday as a free agent.
The Cats are again haggling with the Saints over a trade for ruckman Rowan Marshall. Geelong have offered pick 32 as the crux of the deal, but St Kilda want Geelong's top pick. The Cats are also chasing Essendon defender Jordan Ridley and are open to discussing Nick Blakey should the Swan be determined to leave after the alleged Pullman Hotel incident.
Gryan Miers has completed a medical at West Coast but remains keen to stay at Geelong, while Jack Bowes has requested a trade to Essendon. Geelong is also scouting inside-midfield and defensive options as the club's future shape grows. The Western Bulldogs face a possible exit of key ruckman Simon O'Keeffe, who has requested a trade to the Gold Coast. The front office is also navigating Justin Hales' search for a fresh club following a string of injuries.
Geelong and Bulldogs Seek Reinforcement
Fellow tall backman Jordon Butts has already left Adelaide for the Bulldogs in free agency. The Bulldogs could sweeten deals with a package of mid-round picks for a player who will fill the gap at centre-half forward. Adelaide were in the box seat for Zac Bailey, only for Bailey to remain a Lion on an eight-year deal.
The Crows are set to lose Luke Pedlar to Port Adelaide, but have a call to make on whether they trade key defender Nick Murray, who has a five-year offer from North Melbourne. Murray has managed 78 games in six seasons with the Crows, including 11 this year, and is contracted for another two seasons. The Crows have been linked to Suns defender Charlie Ballard.
Bigger picture, Adelaide are expected to make a play for St Kilda's Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Hawthorn's Will Day next year. Brisbane are likely to lose Sam Marshall, who has requested a trade to St Kilda, while forward Will McLachlan has been linked with Essendon and Melbourne. Out-of-favour defender Keidean Coleman is open to a fresh start at a different club.
Adelaide Targets and Fremantle Talent Decisions
Fremantle's Sean Darcy future remains a point of debate despite the Dockers insisting the ruckman will remain, having fallen out of favour behind Luke Jackson and Mason Cox. Darcy, 28, is contracted until the end of 2030. Wingman O'Driscoll has told Fremantle he is exploring his options after rejecting a three-year contract offer amid interest from the Western Bulldogs. The Dockers say they have not expressed interest in luring ex-Magpie Bobby Hill or Sydney's Chad Warner home.
Carlton's top two draft selections add up to 2396 value index points, and they can also go into draft deficit, meaning they will have enough points to cover a bid up to No.2. The Blues hope to land Giant Lachie Whitfield, while ex-Magpie Wil Parker will join as a delisted free agent. West Coast's Joel Amartey is moving through free agency, while Cody Walker, son of former Blue Andrew Walker, is also in the mix.
The AFL trade period sees a combination of calculated risk, the lure of free agency and strategic management under one overarching aim: securing value for each club while bridging to future talent. With the market boiling with interest, the decisions made at this month's opening will linger throughout the next AFL season. Every club is calculating its investment in list management, future draft picks and free agency budgets to stay strong.
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smh:This story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
AFL Trade Period Player Movement Free Agency Draft Picks AFL Trade Period 2027 Ben King Hawthorn Zach Merrett Trade Jack Viney Melbourne AFL Free Agency AFL Trade Period Ben King Zach Merrett Jack Viney Lachie Neale
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