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LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - JULY 19: Zak Butters of the Power looks dejected after a loss during the 2025 AFL Round 19 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Port Adelaide Power at UTAS Stadium on July 19, 2025 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

‘I want to be there to see that’: Butters on bigger Port picture

There’s a view Zak Butters might have left Alberton during the trade period if Port was open to a move – but the AFL’s most in-demand free agent says otherwise. But what about next year?

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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Josh Weddle of the Hawks celebrates a goal during the AFL First Semi Final match between the Adelaide Crows and the Hawthorn Hawks at Adelaide Oval on September 12, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

$10 million man? Hawks unbothered by Dons’ ‘PR move’

There are a host of guns with contracts set to expire at the end of next year. Josh Weddle may just be the most fascinating case of the lot. Will he re-sign? JON RALPH has his say.

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NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. May 9th, 2025 . AFL . Round 9. St Kilda vs Carlton at the MCG. Charlie Curnow of the Blues celebrates a 1st quarter goal . Picture: Michael Klein

‘Long year’: Carlton insider reveals how Swans can help Charlie thrive

Former Carlton footy boss Brad Lloyd knows all about what Charlie Curnow brings to the table — both on and off the field. Lloyd assesses Curnow’s 2025 and what he can provide the Swans.

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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 10: Zak Butters of the Power during the 2025 AFL Round 09 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on May 10, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Done deal? Former coach names Butters’ potential next club

He’s committed to Port Adelaide for 2026 but where will Zak Butters be after that? Chad Cornes, who worked closely with the Power star, might have the answer.

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Ruthless Swans show the way.

Ruthless Swans’ sacrifice shows way where Hawks, Cats fell short

It was a similar philosophy that saw the Cats and Hawks miss out on a big fish. Josh Barnes looks at the delicate balance of chasing stars while maintaining a strong locker room culture.

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Patrick Retschko is now a Tiger. Picture: Richmond FC

‘Reverse delisting’: The bizarre Tiger trade no-one saw coming

Delisted by Geelong a fortnight ago, Patrick Retschko had five minutes warning he would be traded to Richmond for ‘a packet of chips’. The new Tiger reflects on how the move unfolded and his emotional rollercoaster.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Callum Ah Chee of the Lions during the AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Power not ruling out hijacking Crows’ bid for Ah Chee

The Crows remain confident they will land Callum Ah Chee at the pre-season draft, but they may face a nervous wait as Port Adelaide discusses the possibility of a pursuit of the Lions star.

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MELBOURNE, AUGUST 4, 2024: 2024 AFL Football - Round 21 - Essendon Bombers V Fremantle Dockers at the MCG. Brad Scott coach of the Bombers celebrates the win with Zach Merrett of the Bombers. Picture: Mark Stewart

AFL’s power shift impossible to ignore after 2025 trade hysteria

Footy’s biggest trade period yet lived up to the hype. Captains, superstars and premiership heroes jumped ship — but the biggest takeaway? The AFL’s power balance has well and truly shifted.

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LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Rowan Marshall of the Saints looks dejected after a loss during the 2024 AFL Round 09 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the St Kilda Saints at UTAS Stadium on May 11, 2024 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Big names left in limbo after failed trade deadline day deals

The deadline has come and gone, but not every star got their wish, as some of the AFL’s best walk back to their clubs with their tails between their legs.

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AFL trade grades and ratings

Every club rated: Trade’s winners, losers and the downright failures

After nine hectic days, where did your club finish – have they improved, stood still or heaven forbid, taken a backward step? Our experts rate every club’s player exchange period.

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Charlie Curnow is now a Swan.

The handshakes, sweetener and call that sent Curnow to Sydney

The Swans have given up a monster haul to secure Blues spearhead Charlie Curnow – but they say it was worth every penny. See how it went down.

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MELBOURNE . 01/09/2022. AFL. Melbourne training at Goschs Paddock . Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver of the Demons . Picture by Michael Klein

Petracca and OIiver are gone – but the Dees are ‘future proofed’

Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver are gone, giving new Demons coach Steven King with a fresh slate as he starts his stint in charge.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Zach Merrett of the Bombers during the 2025 AFL Round 07 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Essendon Bombers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Essendon stands firm on Merrett, but Hawks won’t rule out 2026 bid

Trade period can make strange bedfellows, but Zach Merrett and the Hawks turned out to be a bridge too far. See what Essendon and Hawthorn had to say after the star’s failed trade.

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UPDATEDAFL

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 22nd March, 2025 . AFL Round 2. Essendon vs Adelaide at the MCG. Zach Merrett of the Bombers enjoyed a 4th qtr goal . Picture: Michael Klein

Dons formally knock back Hawks’ Merrett deal after ultimatum

Hawthorn gave the Bombers an ultimatum on their offer for skipper Zach Merrett, but the Dons have formally knocked back the deal to set up a tense final day of trade period. See the latest.

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Jamarra Ugle-Hagan at the airport. Picture: Channel 7

A hefty pay cut and strict terms: Cost of the Suns’ JUH lifeline

The Gold Coast Suns’ second chance offering to Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is set to come with a dramatic pay cut and a strict set of strings. Plus, the latest on Trac. JON RALPH with the details.

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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 18: Clayton Oliver of the Demons celebrates kicking a goal during the round ten AFL match between Brisbane Lions and Narrm (Melbourne Demons) at The Gabba, on May 18, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

How much Demons will have to pay for Oliver to be a Giant

Clayton Oliver is set to become a Giant on the final day of the trade period as details over how much he’ll be paid and what GWS will offer Melbourne become clearer.

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AFL trade period where the deals sit.

Why the hold up? Verdict on 12 players ahead of trade deadline

The end of the trade period is nigh, but there’s still a host of names — big and small — waiting to find new homes. Here’s where everything stands.

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UPDATEDTrade HQ

Carlton and Sydney trade for Curnow.

Ball in Blues’ court as Swans show their hand in Curnow deal

Sydney have tabled a package of picks and players to Carlton in an attempt to land Charlie Curnow, but the clock is now ticking for the Swans to secure the superstar forward.

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Your SayAFL

The AFL 2025 Trade Grades.

‘A shame’ for Bombers, Dogs pay overs: Every 2025 move graded

With the deadline in sight, the deals are starting to get done. Who are the winners and the losers so far? We run the rule over every trade – have your say now.

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NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. September 4th, 2025 . 1st Qualifying Final. Adelaide vs Collingwood at the Adelaide Oval. Jordan De Goey of the Magpies celebrates a 3rd quarter goal . Picture: Michael Klein

De Goey looms as possible eleventh-hour trade option

Collingwood’s Jordan De Goey has been floated as a potential last-minute option for rival clubs. But where could he end up by Wednesday night?

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Michael Voss, Senior Coach of the Blues celebrates with Charlie Curnow of the Blues during the 2023 AFL First Elimination Final match between the Carlton Blues and the Sydney Swans at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 08, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The scary certainties holding back blockbuster Curnow, Merrett trades

Two clubs are about to reap the rewards of trading future picks with battling teams. And it’s exactly why Essendon and Carlton need to be careful before they trade Charlie Curnow or Zach Merrett.

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UPDATEDAFL

Sydney's James Rowbottom celebrates kicking a goal during the Round 6 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and Port Adelaide Power at the SCG on April 20, 2025. Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - NO ON SALES - copyright Phil Hillyard )

McRae calls Swans as Pies chase mids; Curnow, Marshall talks stall

As Sydney and Geelong work on packages that might pry Charlie Curnow out of Carlton, Collingwood is making bold moves of its own as Craig McRae gets on the phone.

Ralphy trade analysis nba style

No AFL player or club is safe in the Americanisation of trade period

When it comes to the AFL trade space, the future is now. Gone are the days where no player is untradeable, as a mid-season trade period becomes a formality in the coming years.

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The latest AFL trade news.

Players ‘frustrated’ with Swan’s link to Curnow trade, Daicos on future

Sydney’s pursuit of Charlie Curnow has created some tension with players bemused at the potential trading of a teammate, while Nick Daicos has spoken on his future. The latest trade news here.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 25: Christian Petracca of the Demons runs with the ball during the round 11 AFL match between Narrm (Melbourne Demons) and Sydney Swans at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 25, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Deal for Trac becoming clear as potential Jamarra salary revealed

Two prized top-10 draft selections could land Christian Petracca at Gold Coast, while more details on Jamarra Ugle-Hagan’s new contract can be revealed.

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MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA. April 27, 2024. AFL... Carlton vs Geelong at the the MCG. Jake Kolodjashnij of the Cats pushes Charlie Curnow of the Blues out of the contest during the 1st qtr. . Pic: Michael Klein

Sydney or bust? Geelong’s Curnow mega bid ‘best we could do’

Geelong says it will turn its attention to the draft after its best possible bid for Charlie Curnow was knocked back, ruling out offering players to sweeten the deal for Carlton.

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NCA. MELBOURNE , AUSTRALIA. September 27, 2025. AFL Grand Final between Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at the MCG. Callum Ah Chee of the Brisbane Lions juggles the football. Picture: David Caird

Crows get Power involved in Ah Chee talks as standoff looms

Brisbane and Adelaide refuse to budge on their valuation of Callum Ah Chee, with the Lions confirming they have been ‘pretty clear with Adelaide’ as a deadline day deal looms.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Leek Aleer of the Giants reacts to an injury during the round 19 AFL match between Essendon Bombers and GWS Giants at Marvel Stadium on July 17, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Potential suitor emerges for ‘shattered’ Aleer

A distraught Leek Aleer is currently travelling in Europe after being shafted by St Kilda. But he might not remain at GWS as a rival club weighs up a move.

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Brody Mihocek in his new colours. Picture: Melbourne FC

‘I needed to get out of there’: The Pies call that hit Mihocek hard

Brody Mihocek knew Collingwood’s list demographic would ultimately end his career earlier than he would’ve liked – but it didn’t make the contract impasse any easier to take.

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Carlton involved in three way trade

Every deal, the inside word after bumper trade day

Day five of the AFL Trade Period is in the books. See what the clubs and agents are saying about the big names and deals completed here.

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VideoAFL

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 04: Leek Aleer of the Giants in action during the 2025 AFL Round 17 match between the West Coast Eagles and the GWS Giants at Optus Stadium on July 4, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Watch: Three Vic clubs should hunt Aleer after Saints snubbing

It was the trade move, or non move, that has shocked all onlookers of the AFL trade period. So why did the Saints turn their back on Leek Aleer? Our experts discuss on the Code AFL show.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Charlie Curnow of the Blues kicks a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 13 match between the Carlton Blues v Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 8, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Blues set to reject historic Curnow offer

Geelong attempted to turn trade period on its head by offering the biggest deal in history for Charlie Curnow – but it’s still not enough for the Blues.

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PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: Oscar Allen of the Eagles handpasses the ball during the 2025 AFL Round 14 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Carlton Blues at Optus Stadium on June 15, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Why Allen compo could be last of its kind, Oliver set to make call

The Eagles have been handed pick two for losing their captain, but it could be the last time we see a pick so high handed out. Plus, Clayton Oliver has made his choice. Recap day three here.

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The AFL Trade Period lingo.

What clubs really mean behind the bulldust of trade period lingo

From ‘due dilligence’ to ‘going nuclear’ — it seems AFL clubs are speaking in code at times during the trade period. We cut through the junk to find hidden meaning behind the lingo.

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Damien Hardwick and Christian Petracca.

Dimma’s pitch that saw Trac snub Crows, Hawks’ Humphrey offer

Christian Petracca had a choice between two clubs — and a pitch from Damien Hardwick convinced him to pick the Suns over the Crows. Plus what Hawthorn are likely prepared to offer for Bailey Humphrey.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Clayton Oliver of the Demons looks on during the 2025 AFL Round 07 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 24, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Oliver takes swipe at Dees as he ponders next footy home

Outgoing Melbourne star Clayton Oliver is touring new footy homes and has taken a swipe at his Demons on the way out. Plus, one key Pies midfielder won’t be moving despite speculation. Trade period day two news.

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NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 4th April, 2025 . AFL Round 4. Geelong vs Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium, Geelong . Christian Petracca of the Demons . Picture: Michael Klein

How Suns land recruits, Academy guns — without losing Humphrey

The Suns are one of the biggest players this trade period. But they also have two Academy stars to worry about come draft night. Chris Cavanagh unpacks how they get it all done.

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Will Hayward of the Swans celebrates with James Rowbottom of the Swans after making a tackle on Miles Bergman of the Power during the AFL Preliminary Final match between Sydney Swans and Port Adelaide Power at Sydney Cricket Ground, on September 20, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Life as a free agent: Swan opens up on rejecting mega offer

Sydney are currently trying to turn Carlton’s head on a trade for Charlie Curnow, but it was the Blues who came for a key Swan last year. Find out more on what life is like as a free agent here.

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UpdatedAFL News

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Zak Butters of the Power reacts during the 2025 AFL Round 20 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Port Adelaide Power at Adelaide Oval on July 27, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Even if Butters is gone in 2026, there’s no way he can leave now

Make no mistake, if Zak Butters could leave Port Adelaide this year, he would. But there’s a reason the Power won’t let him go, even if they would get a king’s ransom right now.

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/trade-hq