Trade Rumours 2025

[doggies ftw]

Feels like overs for Budarick, 25 years old played over 10 games twice in a season (one of them being 6 years ago), significant injury history, played out of position and avgd 10 touches, 1 goal a game. Most importantly out of contract.

How is that not just a token 3rd rounder? Or it’s only us that eats a shit sandwich for unders when the player is out of contract I guess?

I think he’s an astute pick up and in reality not going to lose sleep over a 2nd rounder (that we’ve done well to get out of GWS) it’s just frustrating that it seems other clubs think we’re a push over on both sides of the trade table (players outgoing & ingoing). GC have spent the past half a decade getting severely pantsed by everyone, well mostly Geelong tbf, as soon as they deal with us they get 3 firsts out of us for the sanders pick.

I mean they only got pick 29 for a contracted Ainsworth who should hold a fair bit more value than Budarick

[jeemak]

You have made some different suggestions over the years but I think this is the most succinct point you have ever made.

Thanks Roger Federer.

[jeemak]

Feels like overs for Budarick, 25 years old played over 10 games twice in a season (one of them being 6 years ago), significant injury history, played out of position and avgd 10 touches, 1 goal a game. Most importantly out of contract.

How is that not just a token 3rd rounder? Or it’s only us that eats a shit sandwich for unders when the player is out of contract I guess?

I think he’s an astute pick up and in reality not going to lose sleep over a 2nd rounder (that we’ve done well to get out of GWS) it’s just frustrating that it seems other clubs think we’re a push over on both sides of the trade table (players outgoing & ingoing). GC have spent the past half a decade getting severely pantsed by everyone, well mostly Geelong tbf, as soon as they deal with us they get 3 firsts out of us for the sanders pick.

I mean they only got pick 29 for a contracted Ainsworth who should hold a fair bit more value than Budarick

My view is draft picks around the late thirties to fifties are overrated if you have more than one of them, and if you can move one for a decent/proved player you may as well do it.

[Jasper]

Feels like overs for Budarick, 25 years old played over 10 games twice in a season (one of them being 6 years ago), significant injury history, played out of position and avgd 10 touches, 1 goal a game. Most importantly out of contract.

How is that not just a token 3rd rounder? Or it’s only us that eats a shit sandwich for unders when the player is out of contract I guess?

I think he’s an astute pick up and in reality not going to lose sleep over a 2nd rounder (that we’ve done well to get out of GWS) it’s just frustrating that it seems other clubs think we’re a push over on both sides of the trade table (players outgoing & ingoing). GC have spent the past half a decade getting severely pantsed by everyone, well mostly Geelong tbf, as soon as they deal with us they get 3 firsts out of us for the sanders pick.

I mean they only got pick 29 for a contracted Ainsworth who should hold a fair bit more value than Budarick

How about we keep the powder dry until the end of the trade period?
We are working with Gold Coast on a few options and it seems premature to quibble over a few positions.
Remember this trade with GWS has maintained a first round pick for just sliding down the order by two spots and it's given us the currency to compete a trade for a player we targeted.
That seems like a decent win and we now need to wait until Wednesday evening to best judge how this deal and others actually pans out.
We could move back up the order for one of the Suns picks and it will be interesting to see if there is anything we can leverage after getting Ugle-Hagan's contract off our books.
I keep hearing we will only draft 2 or 3 players and it appears we are still on track to do that.

[GVGjr]

Essendon is unlikely to secure St Kilda captain Jack Steele given his desire to remain at Moorabbin as the stalemate continues over Zach Merrett.
The Dons will enter the last 72 hours of trade period still totally unwilling to consider any offers for Merrett despite his determination to leave the Hangar.

Hawthorn is prepared to offer up its No. 9 draft pick and potentially other selections but is yet to have any meaningful dialogue with Essendon.
Merrett has just turned 30 so while the Hawks would consider giving up two first-rounders for Gold Coast’s Bailey Humphrey they have not yet offered up that trade package for the Dons captain.

It is likely to be their best offer but even that would be rejected by Essendon.
With Merrett having tried so hard and endured so much reputational damage to meet with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell the Hawks will at some stage have to put their best foot forward.
But the Dons could not be clearer that they will not even consider an offer.

Hawthorn has made clear it is not interested in trading No. 7 draft pick Cam Mackenzie and there has been no discussion on other players like Hawks tall forward Mitch Lewis.
Hawks ruckman Ned Reeves could sign a contract extension rather than consider his options as Hawthorn braces for new ruck rules which could impact Lloyd Meek’s impact next year.

If the AFL bans ruckmen from crossing the centre square in contests at October’s commission meeting tall jumping rucks like Reeves will come back into vogue and Meek will have to find new tricks.
So it is hard to see how the Hawks find any package of picks or players that changes the Bombers’ mind on Merrett.

Essendon has admired Steele from afar for his hard nut approach and leadership but has not met him and has been told he wants to stay at St Kilda.
There is enough time for the Dons to make a pitch to lure him across but their view is that he is more likely to stay.

St Kilda told him he should consider his options in a week where he said he was keen to play on without the St Kilda captaincy.
Essendon will trade for Gold Coast’s free agent wingman Brayden Fiorini to preserve their end of first-round compensation for Sam Draper.

The Suns would want a similar draft pick to the one they would have secured for Fiorini as they continue to amass draft points for their academy players including Zeke Uwland, Dylan Patterson and Beau Addinsall.
But they will wait for the Suns to get their trades done on Connor Budarick, Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan before trading what will be a mid to late-round pick.
Essendon has picks five, six, 21, 27 and 30 and is open to trying to get up the draft order in multiple ways.

Not only is it interested in trying to secure the No. 1 overall draft pick from West Coast to secure young Victorian mid Willem Duursma, it is also keen to use a pair of those mid-20s picks to get another quality early selection.
The Dons have a pair of quality academy picks in Hussein El Achkar and Adam Sweid likely to go in the top 30 so will hope to take at least three quality draftees before it matches bids on that pair.

[GVGjr]

The eight biggest trades still to be done


By Jaiden Sciberras



With just three days remaining of the 2025 AFL Trade Period, several of the biggest names floated within the trade space are yet to find a new home ahead of 2026.

This year has shaped up to be one of the most enthralling trade periods to date, and as expected, a majority of the most substantial deals will be delayed until the dying minutes, with all paperwork to be lodged prior to the deadline on Wednesday at 7:30pm AEST.

Within the first week, 10 trades were made between AFL teams, with 11 players finding new homes within the early stages of the window. That being said, a majority of the competition's top names remain at their current clubs, will several subject to change in the coming days.
So, who will stay, and who will go?
These are the eight biggest dominoes set to fall in the final week of the 2025 AFL Trade Period.

8 - Callum Ah Chee to Adelaide
The two-time premiership Lion is eager for a move to the Crows, however as last reported, the two sides are miles apart on their valuation of the versatile forward.
Adelaide has a future second on the table, Brisbane are far from compelled, with hopes of retaining their man.
Certainly, one to watch.

7 - Jy Simpkin to Collingwood
The North Melbourne captain has continued to explore his options, and the Magpies are keeping a close eye on the situation.
Reports have suggested that the Kangaroos will demand an incredibly high price for Simpkin, only considering deals involving first round picks - exceeding that of what the Pies are likely to pay.
Four years to run on a deal, it may be unlikely that a deal is agreed upon, however this is certainly a trade that will hang in the balance until the final minutes.

6 - Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to Gold Coast
This one seems a formality at this stage, however nothing is truly guaranteed within the trade space.
Ugle-Hagan completed a successful medical with the Suns within the first week of trade period, with he and the two sides all but locked in for 2026 and beyond.
With a contract agreed and ticked off by all parties, all that stands between Jamarra and the Suns is a transaction with the Western Bulldogs.

5 - Clayton Oliver to GWS
After being shown the door by the Melbourne Football Club, Clayton Oliver officially nominated the GWS Giants as his next home.
This deal will be intriguing, as a deal expands far beyond just a trade between the two sides. Will the Demons cover a portion of salary? And what will they demand in return?
Expect the deal to be done but keep a close watch on the intricacies.

4 - Rowan Marshall to Geelong
St Kilda have stated that Rowan Marshall will not be traded, however following their treatment of Leek Aleer, it’s hard to take the Saints’ word as gospel.
Geelong will be pushing, and list boss Andrew Mackie believes a deal can be struck, but will Gubby Allan and the Saints give in?
This one remains a must-watch come Wednesday.

3 - Christian Petracca to Gold Coast
What will the Demons demand in return for their star man?
Having requested a trade to the Suns, Petracca will be holding out hope that a deal can be struck, with Melbourne more than content with keeping their contracted star at the club for the foreseeable future.
The Suns have the assets, but will the Demons budge? This one is shaping up to be another Wednesday deal.

2 - Zach Merrett to Hawthorn
Have too many bridges been burnt?
The Bombers are adamant that captain Zach Merrett will remain at the club, however the Hawks will charge into the final week with all guns blazing to land their man.
Will Essendon pardon Merrett’s demands and welcome him back to the Hangar? This one’s going deep.

1 - Charlie Curnow to Geelong/Sydney
It goes without saying that this could go down as one of the biggest trade deals in AFL history.
The Blues have already turned down Geelong’s offer of three first round picks, however both Andrew Mackie at the Cats and Chris Keane at the Swans remain certain that a deal can be made for the superstar forward.
Sydney have floated both James Rowbottom (another name to watch) and Ollie Florent as potential pieces, however the Blues are yet to budge.
Expect this deal to remain in the balance by Tuesday night, and come Wednesday, a potential deal will headline what will be a blockbuster deadline day.

[azabob]

Feels like overs for Budarick, 25 years old played over 10 games twice in a season (one of them being 6 years ago), significant injury history, played out of position and avgd 10 touches, 1 goal a game. Most importantly out of contract.

How is that not just a token 3rd rounder? Or it’s only us that eats a shit sandwich for unders when the player is out of contract I guess?

I think he’s an astute pick up and in reality not going to lose sleep over a 2nd rounder (that we’ve done well to get out of GWS) it’s just frustrating that it seems other clubs think we’re a push over on both sides of the trade table (players outgoing & ingoing). GC have spent the past half a decade getting severely pantsed by everyone, well mostly Geelong tbf, as soon as they deal with us they get 3 firsts out of us for the sanders pick.

I mean they only got pick 29 for a contracted Ainsworth who should hold a fair bit more value than Budarick

Yeah, I'm kinda on this wavelength also. I think there will be a few more melts when we trade Buku to Carlton for less.

[Axe Man]

Final hurdles on Jamarra move still remain

Gold Coast’s deal to secure former No.1 overall draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan still needs board approval and the league’s official rubber stamp but is on track to progress before Wednesday’s trade deadline.

The Dogs are yet to receive an official trade request from Gold Coast but are open to a trade for a late selection.

On Monday they will trade their No.12 selection to GWS for the Giants pick 14 and 37, with the Dogs to then use the latter selection on Gold Coast defender Connor Budarick.

The Dogs would get up to $900,000 of Ugle-Hagan’s salary off their books and move on from the star left-footer after a turbulent and distracting 2025 season.

Ugle-Hagan would likely strike a two-year deal of around $200,000 a season plus incentives for games and goals to play at the Suns.

He would also have a clause in his deal that allows the Suns to cancel his contract in case of serious misconduct.

The AFL is very keen for Ugle-Hagan to continue his career, with AFL executive Laura Kane having worked in concert with the Dogs on Ugle-Hagan’s welfare.

But it would be up to the AFL to approve the specifics of Ugle-Hagan’s contract and the type of behaviour which would allow the Suns to void his contract.

They are well aware he will have challenges as he reintegrates back into football full time after a year battling mental health and behavioural problems.

So he would arrive on the Gold Coast aware the Suns and AFL would be forgiving of minor offences but fully prepared for him to lose his contract under specific circumstances.

Ugle-Hagan passed a medical with the Suns after travelling to the Gold Coast on Thursday.

Budarick was pushed out of the backline given the Suns’ wealth of choices but despite a pair of knee reconstructions uses the ball well and is only 24 years of age.

The Suns are yet to have meaningful discussions with Melbourne over a trade for Christian Petracca as the Demons still hold out hope of securing Bailey Humphrey.

Gold Coast is prepared to offer up picks seven and eight for Petracca but would require the Demons to hand back one of their mid-20s selections.

While clubs clamour for top 10 picks the Suns are only interested in amassing enough points to secure their academy selections.

They are aware Petracca is worth more than pick seven which they secured after trading Sam Flanders to St Kilda.

[NAUGHTY100]

Changkuoth Jiath is a name that has emerged with two days left in the Trade Period. There is a mutual understanding with the Hawks that he explores the market.
Would we be intrested in Jiath , when fit is a speed machine running off half back .

[Aidan7557]

Florent is one to watch. Can play wing or half back which are both positions we could use. Could help Dale a lot, help use Freijah and Sanders on ball more etc. If he is given away for a 4th rounder or future 3rd I don't see why we wouldn't look. Not sure how much money he is on though.

[Sedat]

Changkuoth Jiath is a name that has emerged with two days left in the Trade Period. There is a mutual understanding with the Hawks that he explores the market.
Would we be intrested in Jiath , when fit is a speed machine running off half back .

Athletically gifted but very low footy IQ - no thanks to CJ

[GVGjr]

Meanwhile, Carlton and Western Bulldogs are apart on a deal for Buku Khamis in a move that could push towards Wednesday night’s deadline.

Khamis, who’s contracted at Whitten Oval for 2026, is the last of the Blues’ targets to secure before Wednesday’s deadline after making three trades last week.
Carlton hold selections 10, 22, 54 and 67 and could bolster its draft hand with a Charlie Curnow trade.

It comes after the Bulldogs split Pick 12 for GWS’ picks 14 and 37 on Monday to help the Dogs land Gold Coast’s Connor Budarick.
Other deals on Monday saw Richmond trade out-of-contract defender Tylar Young to West Coast for Pick 38, and Fremantle move Will Brodie to Port Adelaide for Pick 103.

[Pleather Sole]

Florent is one to watch. Can play wing or half back which are both positions we could use. Could help Dale a lot, help use Freijah and Sanders on ball more etc. If he is given away for a 4th rounder or future 3rd I don't see why we wouldn't look. Not sure how much money he is on though.

Perhaps, but don't we have Jaques and Selwood vying for a spot next to Dale and Lobb? Plus Walker when he's more physically mature. Gallagher can play there too when his ball use improves.
I don't dislike Florent but not sure he's useful depth.

[Pleather Sole]

Are we thinking that if we don't acquire a KPD through whatever process that Truck just gets Knight reversed to the backline for the year or until someone is more ready?

[kickit2Koly]

Meanwhile, Carlton and Western Bulldogs are apart on a deal for Buku Khamis in a move that could push towards Wednesday night’s deadline.

Khamis, who’s contracted at Whitten Oval for 2026, is the last of the Blues’ targets to secure before Wednesday’s deadline after making three trades last week.
Carlton hold selections 10, 22, 54 and 67 and could bolster its draft hand with a Charlie Curnow trade.

It comes after the Bulldogs split Pick 12 for GWS’ picks 14 and 37 on Monday to help the Dogs land Gold Coast’s Connor Budarick.
Other deals on Monday saw Richmond trade out-of-contract defender Tylar Young to West Coast for Pick 38, and Fremantle move Will Brodie to Port Adelaide for Pick 103.

I hope we just keep him if that’s the offer.