The unsigned AFL stars Crows and Power must chase in 2025
Both South Australian clubs have been aggressive in adding to their lists across the past few years, so why should that stop in 2025? Simeon Thomas-Wilson highlights the names to watch.
Trade HQ
AFLW deadline day: Harris’ cloudy future after Hawks deal collapses
After two weeks of negotiation, Tayla Harris’ future remains in doubt after the Hawks and Demons could not agree to a deal for the star forward. Recap AFLW trade deadline day here.
Trade latest: Premiership defender requests trade to Hawthorn
With the AFLW trade period about to officially open, and the first fully national draft around the corner, clubs are in deep discussion about how to improve their lists. Here’s the latest.
Balta, Fogarty mega deals set high price in barren tall market
The long-term deals signed by Darcy Fogarty and Noah Balta have set the standard in the key-position market, with clubs likely to need six or seven-year offers to keep their stars around.
Superstar Swan Cox’s first priority, but is it enough to keep him?
Dean Cox has a lot to do in his first weeks as head coach of the Sydney Swans. But there’s no doubt what his first priority should be, making sure one of the biggest stars at the Swans stays put.
Scholz happens: Inside the world of AFLW’s next mega star
She’s only 19, but Port Adelaide’s Matilda Scholz is already the next big thing in AFLW. She chats to SIMEON THOMAS-WILSON about embracing attention, her rise to stardom and her gifted sporting family.
Reid’s Ransom: Eagles rejected Vic club’s ‘best offer ever’ for Harley
A year on, the picture is clearer on what could have been if West Coast gave up the rights to Harley Reid, with one trade offer likely the best pitch ever made. See what it looks like now.
Gambles that went bust: Every club’s best and worst future trade
There have now been 10 trade periods in which future picks could be moved by AFL clubs. Check out each sides’ best and worst move, including a big Magpie bungle.
Geelong connection, mega trade: Inside Cats’ quest to secure Smith
Geelong’s attempts to lure Bailey Smith began well before this season. The Cats’ list boss Andrew Mackie sheds light on how it unfolded and the drama of deadline day.
Trade grades: How Eagles flunked Barrass, Baker deals
West Coast fans were livid with their club’s efforts at the trade table – and rightly so, writes JOSH BARNES, with the Eagles fleeced. See every trade graded.
Draft vs talent: Will Pies or Blues’ philosophy be proven right?
Arch rivals Carlton and Collingwood have adopted different strategies in their search for their next premiership. Which path will prove successful? JON RALPH examines the question.
First time? Houston’s Pies love-in not so ‘black and white’
Dan Houston has rubbed salt into the wounds of Port Adelaide supporters by declaring his joy at wearing the black and white jumper “for the first time” after being traded to Collingwood.
Critics be damned: Gold Coast won the trade period
The football world has finally wised up to the Gold Coast Suns’ list building strategy but after Wednesday’s deadline day trades, is it too late to stop them?
How Smith steal turbocharges Cats’ flag pursuit
Bailey Smith isn’t perfect, but he is just what the Cats need as they vie for a premiership. And they got him cheap as chips. See what his inclusion means and their possible round 1 side.
Inside Trade Period: Clubs exploiting right to ‘take the p***’
The frantic finish to this year’s AFL Trade Period reinforced clubs are being allowed to “take the p***” by cramming 10 days of work into a few hours, writes SCOTT GULLAN.
Trade recap: Every move, who soared, flopped this trade period?
After a trade period that went from snoozefest to chaos, catch up on every move. What did your club do and how are they placed for the draft? Plus, every club’s moves rated.
Inside deadline day: How close did Smith deal come to disaster?
Bailey Smith was left to wait until the last minute of the trade period as a host of key deals unfolded in a frantic final 30 minutes. Those closest to the Smith deal reveal how it went down.
No excuses: Now’s the time for Crows’ measured rebuild to deliver
The Crows have completed a strong off-season led by list boss Justin Reid, adding veteran talents and keeping their top pick. Now it’s time to deliver, writes Matt Turner.
Trade wrap: Eagles get head start on Dockers in Warner sweepstakes
It took until the last few minutes for the Eagles to dig themselves out of their Tom Barrass hole, now they’ve got a fair lead on their rivals Fremantle as the battle for Chad Warner heats up.
Port blinked on Houston – but they can still emerge winners
Port Adelaide wanted more for Dan Houston – they didn’t get it. But as MATT TURNER writes, the Power can still come out on top in their three-way trade with the Pies and Suns.
‘Under par’: Inside the twists and turns of the Houston bombshell
Dan Houston got his wish to be a Magpie, but it certainly wasn’t that simple, as the story that has dominated the trade period threatened to go off the rails. So how did they get it done?
Trade countdown: Verdicts on the key names still in play
There are a dozen players still a chance to move clubs as the clock ticks toward the trade period deadline. See full verdicts on all the deals here.
Blues trade heist: The move that ends three-decade flag wait?
A midfield of dreams. That’s what Blues fans are hoping for after their bold move up the draft order. And on paper it makes so much sense in their premiership chase, writes JON RALPH.
Trade shock: Mega deal off as Port threaten to send Houston to rival
In a late twist, Port Adelaide has stunned Collingwood by pulling out of a three-way trade while threatening to deal with a rival club on Dan Houston.
‘Smart business’: Why did Essendon trade away pick 9?
Essendon just gave up a top-10 draft pick for a host of late and future selections. What are the Bombers up to – and how does a teenage goalsneak fit into their plans? Find out here.
Clubs in tight tusstle for Bombers’ pick 9
North Melbourne has made a play for Essendon’s pick 9 in an attempt to bring Dan Houston to the club, but JON RALPH reports another club is set to swoop as the Bombers brace for an early bid on Isaac Kako.
Revealed: Roos’ shock play for premiership Pie
North Melbourne is desperate for more experience on its list, and while chasing Luke Parker, Jack Darling and Caleb Daniel, JAY CLARK reveals they also made a bold play for a Premiership pie.
Saints cool on Soldo as Lions eye Daniher replacement
Jack Macrae is still coming, but Ivan Soldo might not be. JON RALPH has the latest on the Saints’ targets, as well as who the Lions might be eyeing to replace the retired Joe Daniher.
Perryman, Neal-Bullen, Baker? The trend taking over AFL trade period
It’s usually a throwaway line in a club press release after a deal is done. The story of a player going back to his childhood club. Now, it’s no longer something to scoff at.
Trade state of play: Verdict on 18 key names
After a slow first week of trading, a huge list of names are still working to find a new home. Get the latest on Dan Houston, Clayton Oliver, Liam Baker and plenty more.
Cats, Dogs at odds as hefty Smith asking price revealed
The Western Bulldogs have refused Geelong’s offer of pick 17 for Bailey Smith. Now what they are really after can be revealed. Plus the latest on Jake Stringer’s move away from Essendon.
Blues eye Walsh’s cousin amid audacious pick-three play
Carlton has made an audacious play to land West Coast’s pick three in a trade. JAY CLARK reveals the Blues’ bold move comes as they eye Sam Walsh’s cousin to bolster their midfield at the draft.
Dees hit back at latest Oliver exit rumour
Melbourne has hit back at reports Clayton Oliver packed his bags and left the club on a day where a shock trade threw several moves into jeopardy. See all the news from day five here.
Key pillar of Pies’ Houston pursuit ‘at risk of being gatecrashed’
One of Dan Houston’s suitors has conceded trade talks have become ‘complicated and messy’, with the All-Australian defender yet to nominate his preferred club.
‘Are you the Veale Deal?’: Footy’s most notorious trade 21 years on
Lochlan Veale never played an AFL game, but his unwitting role in a notorious trade will mean his name is always remembered by footy fans. He looks back on 21 years since the ‘Veale Deal’.
Key Tiger defies mass exodus to ink mammoth contract
The Tigers have plenty of players set to walk out the door, but there’s one key piece not going anywhere, inking one of the longest deals in AFL history. Recap all of Thursday’s trade news.
Bombers may pitch in but no guarantees on Stringer deal
Essendon could be asked to pitch in to move Jake Stringer to GWS, with one of footy’s most respected analysts saying there was no way the Bombers could welcome the forward back.
‘You think it’s the clubs’: The real kingmakers of AFL trade period
With some AFL trades set to come down to the wire, keep an eye on the middle men. Sometimes, premierships can be won and lost on their call. Jay Clark assesses the key players at trade time.
Three picks and a player? Houston haul could land in Power’s lap
The Pies are now the resounding favourite to acquire Port Adelaide star Dan Houston, but could another club slow down a possible deal? Jon Ralph has the details.
Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/trade-hq