The trade rumour mill continues to spin, with two players now expected to leave their current clubs at the end of the year.

Coaches have been left to step in and address the latest rumours involving their players, while Gold Coast are again likely to be in the market to ship their top picks. We also take a look at the players Port Adelaide could target this year.

Here's all the latest AFL trade news and rumours...

Giant tipped to join rival

In-demand GWS defender Leek Aleer is now expected to be a St Kilda player next year.

9 News have reported that a move from the Giants to the Saints is looking "inevitable".

GWS coach Adam Kingsley has also conceded he is "worried" of losing Aleer at the end of the year.

READ: ALEER'S MOVE SOUTH "INEVITABLE"

GWS defender Leek Aleer inks new contract extension
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 13: Leek Aleer of the Giants in action during the 2022 AFL Round 22 match between the Western Bulldogs and the GWS Giants at Marvel Stadium on August 13, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Blues midfielder on radar of rivals

Carlton wingman Blake Acres could be on the move to his fourth club, with rivals of the belief that the out-of-favour midfielder could be "gettable".

Acres, who was recently dropped from the Blues' senior side, is under contract for next year and would need to seek a trade to leave the Blues.

Another club will also need to be interested in the veteran ball-winner, with 9 News reporting clubs are keeping tabs on the "gettable" Blue.

Every AFL team's fastest player for 2024 so far
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Blake Acres of the Blues in action 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 Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

A move for Acres would see him land at his fourth club, having begun his career at St Kilda, then moving to Fremantle prior to joining the Blues.

STORY: OUT-OF-FAVOUR BLUE COULD MOVE

Demons deny forward's trade rumour

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has stated premiership forward Bayley Fritsch is a part of the club's future following a rumour that suggested he's unlikely to be in the red and blue next year.

The Agenda Setters discussed Fritsch's playing future with the Demons, with reporter Mitch Cleary of the belief that the medium-sized forward will seek a move for 2026.

Fritsch has a contract with Melbourne through to the end of next year, with the Demon to reach free agency when his deal expires.

The fadeout and future of Melbourne's frailest line
Bayley Fritsch during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

If he were to leave then, Melbourne would be unlikely to get a better return than if they traded him in 2025.

READ: FRITSCH NOT GOING ANYWHERE, SAYS GOODWIN

Top picks potentially on the move

Gold Coast are open to trading their first-round picks this year as they prepare to attain a batch of promising Academy prospects. 

The Suns hold a trio of picks for night one of the draft, holding Port Adelaide's and Collingwood's selections, as well as their own.

Gold Coast could trade back in the draft or look to get ahead of the potential bids in the top 10 with a move toward the top of the board.

Academy players Dylan Patterson and Zeke Uwland are both a chance of being picked in the first five selections.  

READ: SUNS "OPEN" TO PARTING WITH PICKS

Port trade targets

The Power could be busy in this year's trade period despite not having their own first-round pick.

Port Adelaide are entering an intriguing period as Josh Carr prepares to take over the coaching, with the retention of Zak Butters a priority.

The SA club has managed a strong year of re-signings to date, and could now turn their attention to luring talent from elsewhere.

Naming five potential trade targets for the Power, headlined by St Kilda's Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, we take a look at who Port Adelaide could have in their sights. 

TRADE TARGETS: WHO THE POWE COULD GET

Hawks shut down Mackenzie report

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell and midfielder Cam Mackenzie "had a laugh" over a recent report suggesting the former Pick 7 selection was upset at Waverley.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 05: Cam Mackenzie of the Hawks runs with the ball under pressure from Hunter Clark of the Saints during the round 17 AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Hawthorn Hawks at Marvel Stadium on July 05, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 05: Cam Mackenzie of the Hawks runs with the ball under pressure from Hunter Clark of the Saints during the round 17 AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Hawthorn Hawks at Marvel Stadium on July 05, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The report claimed Mackenzie's management spoke with the Hawks this week, stating their displeasure with Mackenzie's role and standing at the Hawks.

Speaking to media, Mitchell said there wasn't much to the report.

Mackenzie was dropped from the senior side this week, and will suit up for the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL instead. 

MORE: MITCHELL LAUGHS OFF MIDFIELDER'S REPORTED ISSUE