The Adelaide Crows have rejected North Melbourne's final offer for defender Nick Murray, according to Nine.com.au, ending the Kangaroos' pursuit of the key position player as the AFL trade deadline passed.
North Melbourne list manager Brady Rawlings reportedly entered Adelaide's trade rooms and presented multiple options in an attempt to complete a deal for Murray. However, Adelaide list boss Jarryd Roughead declined to accept any of the proposals, and the trade did not proceed.
The failed negotiation was one of several developments that unfolded in the final minutes of the trade period, with clubs scrambling to complete deals before the deadline.
Why it matters
Murray remaining at Adelaide represents a significant outcome for the Crows, who retain a key defensive asset despite sustained interest from North Melbourne. The Kangaroos had made Murray a priority target and were prepared to offer multiple packages to secure his services.
The collapse of the deal also highlights the difficulty clubs face when attempting to pry contracted players away from their current teams, particularly when the holding club has no desire to trade.
For North Melbourne, missing out on Murray leaves a gap in their defensive structure that they will need to address through other means, whether via the draft or future trade periods.
Late deals completed as deadline approaches
While the Murray trade fell through, several other deals were completed in the closing moments of the trade period.
Luke Pedlar has been traded from Adelaide to Port Adelaide, with the deal finalised right at the buzzer. The move keeps Pedlar in South Australia but shifts him to the Crows' crosstown rival.
In another late development, Hawthorn's Bodie Ryan was traded to Melbourne. The deal emerged unexpectedly in the final moments of the period.
Kiddy Coleman has been traded to Essendon alongside pick 25, with the Bombers sending picks 21 and 27 back to the Lions. The trade represents a significant acquisition for Essendon, who had been linked with Coleman throughout the trade period.
Richmond and Collingwood deal collapses
Earlier in the day, a proposed trade between Richmond and Collingwood fell apart, leaving a premiership hero forced to remain at his current club. According to Nine.com.au, the deal's collapse means the player will stay put despite expectations that a move would be completed.
The failed trade adds to the list of negotiations that did not reach completion during a busy trade period that saw multiple high-profile players change clubs.
Other developments across the trade period
The trade period also saw discussion around several other players and potential moves. A former player criticised the Blakey signing, while an agent faced questioning after a proposed move for De Goey failed to materialise.
Three teams are reportedly preparing to pursue a Sydney free agent in 2027, and Essendon could also attempt to land a star Geelong player, according to Nine.com.au.
The trade period concluded with several players still in limbo, unable to secure moves to new clubs.
What to watch
With the trade period now closed, attention turns to how clubs will address remaining list needs through the draft and whether any of the failed negotiations will be revisited in future trade periods.
