The free agency period is here and the trade window is now just days away, with clubs set to kick-off deals for free agents and wantaway names.

Read up on all of today's news, rumours and analysis for this off-season.

DONE DEAL: Bombers land Crows defender

Adelaide defender Jake Kelly has exercised his free agency rights and will join Essendon this off-season.

An unrestricted free agent, Kelly nominated the Bombers as his preferred destination after ending his contract at West Lakes in 2021.

The 26-year-old played 110 games for the Crows after being recruited via the 2014 Rookie Draft, and will now return to his home state of Victoria.

READ MORE: Kelly confirmed as first move of the off-season 

DONE DEAL: Tigers tall makes Suns move

Richmond tall Mabior Chol has exercised his free agency rights to join Gold Coast ahead of the 2022 season.

As peculiarly revealed by Chol's manager Ralph Carr via Twitter on Friday morning, the 24-year-old will venture to the Queensland club.

Having shown plenty of promise as both a forward target and in the ruck, Chol is set to aid the Suns' key position depths.

FULL STORY: Chol heading to Queensland following manager's tweet

Blues make offer for Swans midfielder

Paperwork has been lodged for Carlton to acquire Sydney restricted free agent George Hewett, with a decision from the Swans now pending.

Sydney will have to decide whether to match the Blues' offer, with a deadline now set in three days time for 4pm on Monday, October 4.

Hewett is reportedly set to be on the end of a four-year offer from the Blues, falling close to $450,000 per season.

READ MORE: Carlton place offer to land Hewett 

The ONE trade your club should make this off-season

Every club will be looking to get the best out of the upcoming trade period, with all 18 sides hoping to fill voids with new names.

Some sides will look to further extend their premiership windows, while others will look to gather young talent and trade picks for the future.

With this in mind, we've named ONE trade each club will be looking to land.

STORY: The trade every club should be prioritising

Dogs defender assessing options

Western Bulldogs defender Lewis Young is believed to be weighing up his options this off-season despite a new deal being tabled by the club to remain at the Kennel.

According to AFL.com.au's Mitch Cleary, Young will assess what will be on offer elsewhere before returning to the discussions with the Bulldogs.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 22: Lewis Young of the Bulldogs warms up prior to the round 10 AFL match between the Western Bulldogs and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on May 22, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

It is understood that the Dogs have tabled a two-year extension to the 22-year-old, who is one of several at Whitten Oval that could look for greater opportunities at a rival club.

READ MORE: Young set to assess options elsewhere

Contracted Cats ruckman exploring opportunities

Contracted Cat Darcy Fort is keeping his options open for the off-season, his manager Scott Lucas has revealed.

Fort has gained reported interest from the Lions as the Queensland Club looks to bolster its key-position stocks for next season, with forward Eric Hipwood to miss a majority of the campaign with an ACL injury.

Brisbane are believed to have Fort, Magpies tall Mason Cox and delisted Carlton forward Levi Casboult on their radar ahead of Monday's trade period.

READ MORE: Fort looking into options outside of Kardinia Park

Manager provides update on future of Suns midfielder

The manager of Gold Coast midfield-forward Darcy Macpherson has put light on the situation surrounding his client.

Suns list manager Craig Cameron revealed on Tuesday that Macpherson - along with midfielder Will Brodie - would be open to departing the Queensland club this off-season.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Darcy Macpherson of the Suns runs the ball during the AFL Community Series match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium on March 08, 2021 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Macpherson has played 62 games for the Suns since making his debut in 2016, but was limited to just the 11 appearances this season as Stuart Dew's midfield stocks continue to grow.

READ MORE: Macpherson open to trade should suitor emerge 

Roos taking calls for Pick 1, dealing with Tigers for young tall

North Melbourne list manager Glenn Luff has stated it will take a "pretty attractive" offer for the Kangaroos to part ways with Pick 1 this trade period.

The Roos are poised to take South Australian prospect Jason Horne-Francis should they retain their top selection come the National Draft in November.

The Kangaroos will utilise Pick 1 and the upcoming trade window to aid their list rebuild, with wantaway Tiger Callum Coleman-Jones opting to move to Arden Street ahead of the 2022 season.

READ MORE: North Melbourne speak on top pick, CCJ negotiations