Discussions surrounding a Mid-Season Trade Period for the AFL have continued into 2025, with the conclusion of this week's draft and the push from certain coaches adding to the narrative.
The AFL has continued to assess the pros and cons of a player exchange window for the future, with the competition to take a step closer as clubs are allowed to trade 2026 draft picks to get into the Mid-Season draft next year.
Clubs in 2025 would have loved the chance to aid their list instantly as they either look to strengthen their prospects for the premiership or continue to rebuild their list with young talent.
With this in mind, we've looked at a handful of AFL players who could benefit from a mid-year change and the potential landing spots that might be of interest.
Here are five hypothetical trade deals that could've happened if a Mid-Season Trade Period existed in 2025.
4. Jai Serong to Essendon
Another for the Bombers, given their current injury woes, having lost Zach Reid, Ben McKay and Jordan Ridley over the past month.
Serong hasn't been able to find a role under Sam Mitchell over the past 18 months, with his hopes of securing a spot in the backline only hindered further by the off-season additions of Tom Barrass and Josh Battle.
It might take a James Sicily switch forward or an injury to one of Jack Scrimshaw or Sam Frost for Serong to get a look, with the 22-year-old yet to feature at AFL level this year.
He's coming off a stellar year in the VFL, taking out Box Hill's best and fairest and being selected in the VFL Team of the Year squad.
A good reader of a flighted ball, the Hawks interceptor would be a certain starter for the Bombers in the next few weeks and would be able to show his value in the top flight.
He could form a partnership with Zach Reid for the long haul and add some spring behind McKay and Ridley in the years to come.
