The AFL trade period has produced fresh movement, with a Brisbane Lions player formally requesting a transfer to Essendon, the Herald Sun reports. The same report states that North Melbourne is preparing to raise its offer for Blakey.
The Herald Sun published the details on Monday, 12 October 2026, describing the Lions star's request and the Roos' planned move in the same update. No further specifics on the player's identity, the terms sought, or the size of North Melbourne's revised offer were included in the available reporting.
The developments come during the closing stretch of the trade period, a window in which clubs finalise list changes. AFL.com.au has separately reported that North Melbourne's dealings could drive activity across the competition, that Essendon is in the hunt for a Lions player, and that Hawthorn is looking to ramp up talks over Day.
The West Australian, meanwhile, described action heating up as the trade period entered its final days.
The period has also prompted broader discussion about how players move between clubs. Zak Butters, after joining the Western Bulldogs, suggested that changes to the AFL's player movement system would not be a bad thing, according to ABC News.
Elsewhere, Nine.com.au reported on a warning that the Bulldogs must avoid a "crazy" call following an $18m signing.
What to watch next: whether Essendon and North Melbourne complete the moves reported, and how the remaining trade period days unfold.
