Live: Wantaway Saints star boycotts best and fairest as Cats eye AFL trade
St Kilda ruck Rowan Marshall does not attend the Saints' best and fairest event as he tries to force through a trade to Geelong.
Follow all the news and debate from the AFL trade period in our live blog.
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ICYMI: Zach Merrett is officially a Hawk
We almost missed it! We Wharfie Timed the blog yesterday afternoon and shut up shop too early, nearly missing the biggest trade news of the past two years.
But in a surprising twist, Hawthorn and Essendon reached an early agreement on a Zach Merrett deal and forced it through the system on day one of the trade period. Now both clubs are free to chase the many other deals they have on the hook without the spectre of Merrett hanging over their heads.
The final deal was Merrett to Hawthorn for picks 15 and 25 and a 2028 second-round pick. Nicely done everyone, shake hands and move on.
Bombers fans, happy it's all over? Hawks fans, happy to finally get your man?
Key Event
Rowan Marshall boycotts Saints best and fairest
By Dean Bilton
By Dean Bilton
St Kilda gathered last night to celebrate its 2026 season and hand Callum Wilkie his second best and fairest award, but one key player was missing.
Rowan Marshall made the decision not to attend the event as he continues to seek a trade to Geelong. The reporting around this suggested Marshall didn't feel comfortable being there considering his desire to leave the club, but you could also read this as him making a statement to the Saints and trying to force their hand a little.
The Saints and Cats are a little way apart in their negoatiations for Marshall still, but let's see if this moves things along a little.
For what it's worth, Marshall finished 10th in the B+F count last night.
Welcome back to AFL trade period
By Dean Bilton
By Dean Bilton
Good morning, and welcome back to the blog! Day one was surprisingly eventful and the stage is set for the drama to continue on day two.
Thankfully I'll be joined by my brother in trading Chris De Silva later today as we bring you all the news, debate, discussion, rumour and analysis from the world of AFL trade and free agency today.
Keep us company and hit up those comments to share your thoughts!
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