Live: AFL trade period officially opens as stars eye blockbuster moves
The AFL trade period officially opens as stars like Zak Butters, Zach Merrett and Ben King chase blockbuster moves.
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The deals that have already been done
While the trade period only officially opened today, the free agency period actually begun on Friday, so free agents have been able to move clubs since then.
In those three days, we saw a handful of players switch clubs. It just so happens that some of those players were genuine stars of the game. Here's what you might have missed:
- Lachie Neale to Collingwood (Magpies receive band three compensation)
- Toby Greene to Geelong (Giants receive band three compensation)
- Joel Amartey to Carlton (Swans receive band three compensation)
- Jordon Butts to Western Bulldogs (Crows receive band three compensation)
- Keiran Briggs to Richmond (Giants receive band four compensation)
Not a bad start to the window.
If you're wondering, "band three compensation" means a draft pick after the club's natural second round pick. So the Giants got pick 26 for Greene, the Swans pick 37 for Amartey etc. Band four is the same thing, but in the third round of draft picks.
There was some surprise and disappointment from the Giants, Lions and Crows in the outcome as each were hoping for a band two compensation pick (which would have come at the end of the first round). Seems to me the AFL is trying to water down free agency compensation a little this year.
Key Event
Welcome to AFL trade period
By Dean Bilton
By Dean Bilton
Good morning, and welcome to the opening day of the 2026 AFL trade period. Barely a week after Brisbane's incredible triumph in this year's grand final, attentions are already turning to 2027 and beyond as clubs begin wheeling and dealing in the hopes of building their next premiership side.
The trade period is open until next Wednesday and you can rely on me and Chris De Silva (when he returns from his post-season jollies) to bring you all of the news, all of the worthwhile rumours, all the machinations and drama and brinkmanship, all of the draft analysis and all of the fun involved with this time of the year.
Can't wait to do it all again. Hit us up with your thoughts and questions and let's get this trade period up and running.
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