While some would contend that 24 rounds of football, a month of finals and a couple of practice matches to kick things off is enough football to poke a boot at, in this era of the 18-team talkback radio pitches, it is clear that the trade period has taken on a life of its own.
Punters may screech that they hate hearing about proposed deals between March and September, but in reality, any article about a player wanting in, out or otherwise rates its socks off analytically as these same fans can't help but want to know the score.
And although footy fanatics may disagree, the analytics tell us that there is only one thing they love more than trade chat, and that's when trades are put under the microscope.
So while you lot may hate us for it, deep down we know that you love it.
From 1990 until the cessation of the 2022 season, here is the trade that every club wishes they had a mulligan for.
Geelong (1998)
In - Jason MooneyÂ
Out - Pick 8 (Jude Bolton)
Adept behind the ball and able to pinch hit in the ruck, Jason Mooney proved a handy player during his 97 games in the Harbour City. Yet, when the Cats claimed they were willing to cough up pick 8 to sign the Wagga Wagga native, it's unlikely the Swans deliberated for too long. Though Mooney would spend two seasons playing alongside his younger brother, Cam, at the Cattery, mention the name 'Jude Bolton' in the Pivot City and you are likely to hear audible groans.
