The AFL trade period is underway, with three deals already completed, according to afl.com.au. Hawthorn has confirmed the arrival of Zach Merrett, a move that Essendon acknowledged with a farewell message to the departing player on its club website.
St Kilda's trade activity has drawn attention, with the Herald Sun reporting that the club is "not sorry" about its movements so far. The same report raises questions about the futures of two Collingwood players, though no further details were provided in the available material.
North Melbourne has made an offer for an Adelaide Crows player, afl.com.au reports, while Essendon is said to be holding a significant draft haul. The ABC has published a preview of what to expect during the trade period, though the specifics of that analysis were not included in the source summary.
The trade period represents a key window for clubs to reshape their lists ahead of the coming season. Completed deals, pending offers, and draft picks are all in play as teams negotiate. Essendon's public farewell to Merrett marks the end of his time at the club, while Hawthorn's confirmation signals the start of his next chapter.
With the period still open, further moves are expected. North Melbourne's offer for the Adelaide player remains unresolved, and Collingwood's situation with its two players is yet to be clarified. Essendon's draft position could also shift as negotiations continue.
What to watch next: whether North Melbourne's offer is accepted and how Collingwood resolves the futures of its two players.
