After another exciting and explosive trade and free agency period came to a close, it is time to reflect upon the moves that occurred.

A total of 34 players found new homes, and will don fresh colours in 2026, while some were left stranded.

None topped the list other than Charlie Curnow, who successfully made the switch from Carlton to Sydney, despite saying throughout the season he was keen to remain at Ikon Park.

On the flip side, Essendon captain Zach Merrett will walk back into Tullamarine with his tail between his legs, as a deal between the Bombers and Hawks was unable to be reached.

But where does this most recent off-season rank among previous iterations?

2025 undoubtedly had the biggest names compared to past years, with four captains seeking new clubs. Oscar Allen and Jack Steele were successful. Merrett and Jy Simpkin were not.

Curnow made the Sydney switch, as did Melbourne premiership duo Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver.

However, in the last decade, the 2025 player movement period ranks seventh for the most moves, topping 2021 (25), last year (31) and 2017 (33).

In 2018, 48 players were part of trades or transferred via free agency.

Tom Lynch departed the Gold Coast Suns and arrived at Punt Road. He won two premierships in his first pair of seasons with the Tigers.

Lachie Neale was arguably the biggest name to cross clubs, leaving Fremantle for Brisbane, a switch that redefined the Queensland club. He is a two-time Brownlow Medal winner, and a dual premiership captain.

Steven May also left the Suns along with Lynch, joining Melbourne and was a key contributor to the club's 2021 success.

Players Traded/Free Agents
2025 34
2024 31
2023 39
2022 38
2021 25
2020 35
2019 36
2018 48
2017 33
2016 43

 

In 2016 (43), the trades were headlined by Hawthorn duo and favourite sons Sam Mitchell (West Coast) and Jordan Lewis (Melbourne).

Dion Prestia was part of the Gold Coast exodus that would ensue, joining Richmond ahead of their 37-year drought-breaking flag.

Brett Deledio left the Tigers for greener pastures at GWS, but fell agonisingly short of the ultimate dream, bowing out to his former club in the penultimate week of the AFL season.

It seems that every year the stories and names get bigger and bigger.

And although 2025 may not have had the most moves completed, the unprecedented amount of skippers and players under contract attempting to find new homes indicates a glimpse of the direction the game is heading.