Trade Rumours 2025

[Jasper]

Why’s it matter how he compares with West? Hes not taking his spot. I like Ainsworth hes a huge upgrade on McNeil & VDM. More of a half forward than deep fwd like West.

We have to ensure neither of those guys play a game next year because let’s be honest here they ****ing suck. Guys like Ainsworth improve the bottom of the 22 which is absolutely necessary

The modern game is built on half forwards, who get up and down the ground. Ours are terrible. Would definitely have a crack at Ainsworth but depends on the price, he’s no world beater. Sounds like GC are pushing him out to make cap space as he’s on a decent contract, so we’ll take him for a late pick

I can't be as blunt and as dismissive/critical as you are with our players.
McNeil and Vanders have performed okay for us but of course we could and should be looking to find an upgrade but is Ainsworth really a good option?
I've had a look at some of Ainsworths games this year and yes he is an upgrade on some of our players but there appears to be some signs he is declining as a player.
He's got a long contract and I don't want to sign him if he's on the decline.
We normally play a mid or two in the forward line and Hynes and Dolan will be around the mark along with Matt Kennedy and Sanders.
We might have some players who have already passed Vanders and McNeil

[Hotdog60]

Victorian powerhouse in line to target star midfielder: AFL trade news

The Collingwood Magpies are reportedly expected to pursue top 2026 free agent Zak Butters next year

The Port Adelaide phenom is yet to recommit to the club beyond next year, with rivals cautiously monitoring his situation.

Collingwood have emerged as another club interested, despite their lack of draft picks that would likely be required to make a deal work next off-season, according to AFL Media's Cal Twomey.

"I strongly expect Collingwood to be right in the thick of the Zak Butters sweepstakes next year," Twomey said on AFL Trade Radio on Friday.

"They don't have picks, but they have free agency options.

"In saying all of that, if Butters left Port Adelaide, I think it would be matched in a heartbeat, so you probably need picks if you're going into the Zak Butters race.



"We hear a lot about Geelong and the Bulldogs and that's because they are the two key suitors for him on that side of town if he does eventually look at moving from Port Adelaide as a free agent next year.

"But I think Collingwood will give it a shake."

The opportunity to be a key component of Collingwood's midfield alongside Nick Daicos appears as the obvious reason for Butters to consider joining the Pies.

While Daicos has been an exceptional clearance winner at centre bounces and in the stoppage battles, leading Collingwood's midfield in first possessions and clearances per game, he thrives on the run as a receiver.

Getting a player with the ball-winning capacity of Butters, who ranked 10th in disposals per game (28.0) and seventh in clearances (6.6) would help establish greater opportunity for Daicos to get those runs.



Furthermore, Collingwood's aging midfield could reach a crisis point as soon as next season if they remain stagnant in the trade period. Five Magpies averaged at least 20 disposals per game this season and three of them are at least 32 years old; Crisp (32), Sidebottom (34) and Pendlebury (37).

Butters, at 25, fits the Daicos-era timeline much more seamlessly than the aforementioned stars.

Collingwood also possess the lure of former Power teammate Dan Houston as a potential persuader for the three-time club best-and-fairest winner to join Australia's largest club.

Butters was influential in a slightly injury-disrupted season for the Power in 2025 which earned him a spot in the 2025 All-Australian squad and third consecutive John Cahill Medal. It highlights his importance to Port Adelaide and why his contract status will be leading headlines throughout 2026, should he continue his noncommittal approach.

LINK

[Bornadog]

F off collingwood

[bulldogsthru&thru]

There's just no way he picks us. We can't attract b graders let alone elite talent.

No point setting ourselves up for disappointment.

[DOG GOD]

There's just no way he picks us. We can't attract b graders let alone elite talent.

No point setting ourselves up for disappointment.

agree, butters has Geel written all over it, and Geel are the type of team that even if their first rounder was pick 20, the other team would fold at the last minute and accept it.

im expecting Butters to be a cat in 2027

[Grantysghost]

There's just no way he picks us. We can't attract b graders let alone elite talent.

No point setting ourselves up for disappointment.

He's coming. Accept it

[Willow18]

I’ve seen reports of us trying to get Carlton’s end of 1st rounder and trying to move up to the Suns pick. I wonder if the plan is to basically go in with 1 draft pick (7), and then grab Darcy when he’s bid on.

could be something like

Buku & our 2nd for Carlton’s compo pick

Then our 1st, Carlton’s compo & JUH for pick 7 & Budarick

So essentially:
Pick 12, 33, JUH & Khamis out
pick 7, Budarick & W. Darcy in

[bulldogsthru&thru]

He's coming. Accept it

The only reason there's noise we're a chance is to boost his contract value with his eventual team. You know it.

[Bornadog]

Josh Gabelich reports:

Fremantle has offered Jai Serong a contract after a meeting with Justin Longmuir. North Melbourne and Sydney have also tabled deals to the 22-year-old. Three options after winning a second VFL B&F + TOTY selection

We should have spoken to him - maybe we did?

[bulldogsthru&thru]

https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-superstar-zak-butters-go-home-wish-looms-large-over-trade-period-c-20242664

[Aidan7557]

Seems like Butters is live again according to Mitch Cleary. Do we do it now for at least 3 first rounders and pay him 1.7 million for 6 plus years? Still feel like there are more important issues to deal with and as good as Butters is I'm not sure he can solve them.

[jazzadogs]

Seems like Butters is live again according to Mitch Cleary. Do we do it now for at least 3 first rounders and pay him 1.7 million for 6 plus years? Still feel like there are more important issues to deal with and as good as Butters is I'm not sure he can solve them.

The article says we'd offer 8 years.

Pick 7 and 2026 first? The 2027 first won't hold much value with the compromised draft.

[Aidan7557]

The article says we'd offer 8 years.

Pick 7 and 2026 first? The 2027 first won't hold much value with the compromised draft.

Yeh he will be expensive but I suppose if it's live we just have to do it. Will put a massive target on our back and the pressure to go deep in finals will be real and fair enough. I still think unless our defence changes and we can improve one or two of our small forwards we are still a level off even with Butters. No doubt he secures our midfield for the future which is important to consider.

[Willow18]

The article says we'd offer 8 years.

Pick 7 and 2026 first? The 2027 first won't hold much value with the compromised draft.

Worth every penny. If we can do the deal for just the 2 1st rounders, incredible steal

[Rocco Jones]

I think Power having Dougie Cochrane tied to them next year might influence things too. He is projected to go very early and you'd think they'd be looking more for points than early picks for the 2026 draft.