It's been another massive week of trade news and speculation, with several fresh faces involved in speculation regarding moves and new deals.
We also look at some names that Fremantle and GWS should have their eye on in the run-in to the player movement window.
Here's all the latest trade news and analysis from the past week...
Premiership Eagles potential move shut down by club
West Coast Eagles GM of Football Gavin Bell has shut down reports that forward Liam Ryan will make a move to St Kilda for 2026 and beyond, calling the 2018 premiership hero a "required player".
It is understood that the Saints have tabled a four-year deal to Ryan who is reportedly open to a move to Victoria.
The 28-year-old is contracted for 2026 at the Eagles, but could be one of multiple players who could seek a new destination, including captain Oscar Allen.
FULL STORY: West Coast comment on star's links to rival club
Kangaroos offer St Kilda gun lengthy deal
North Melbourne have reportedly tabled emerging Saints youngster Marcus Windhager a five-year contract in a bid to lure him away from Moorabbin.
The out-of-contract midfielder has flown under the radar due to the noise surrounding teammate Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's contract call but the race to acquire his talents has heated up rapidly in recent weeks, with Melbourne and Essendon also expected to chase the 22-year-old.
St Kilda have tabled a two-year contract to Windhager, but the potential of gaining more on-ball minutes elsewhere could see him depart the club.
REPORT: North Melbourne reportedly table offer to emerging midfielder
Fremantle's potential trade targets
The Dockers were one of the biggest winners of the 2024 trade period, landing former Tigers superstar Shai Bolton, which has propelled into a new premiership window.
But where can they make upgrades, and which out-of-contract players could the Dockers realistically add to bolster their flag hopes in 2026?
We have taken a look at five trade and free agency targets for Fremantle to consider this year, including the brother of one star midfielder.
FULL LIST: Five trade targets for EVERY AFL team: Fremantle Dockers
Essendon veteran expected to not receive contract offer for 2026
Essendon and Dylan Shiel, 32, have reportedly "mutually agreed" to part ways at the end of the season, with senior coach Brad Scott furthering the report by stating that there are "no guarantees" Shiel will be given a contract offer for 2026 following Essendon's Round 24 loss to Carlton.
The Bombers are set to make difficult list calls, given the influx of prospects they secured through the SSP and MSD periods due to multiple season-ending injuries.
"Clearly, there's a lot of personnel not there, but I think we start next year with every player except one has played AFL footy on our list this year," Scott said.
"Every player next year will start thinking they're a really good chance to be in our best side."
According to Cal Twomey on Gettable, Shiel is keen to start afresh and play AFL elsewhere next season.
REPORT: Essendon veteran expected to exit
Giants eyeing Swans key defender
GWS are looking to bolster their defensive stocks for 2026 with reported departures of Leek Aleer and Wade Derksen imminent, turning their focus to signing Sydney key backman Joel Hamling.
The 32-year-old has played in 14 games for the Swans this season, performing well in their defensive 50. He averages over five spoils per game and has lost just 19.7 per cent of his defensive one-on-one contests, the best rate among the Swans' listed defenders.
However, he remains without a contract for 2026, meaning he could become a cheap option for the Giants to help retool their defensive core in 2026, according to Cal Twomey on Gettable.
The Giants have also reportedly shown interest in out-of-contract players Jayden Laverde, Sam Frost and Jacob Koschitzke, who have spent much of 2025 playing state level football.
DETAILS: Sydney veteran on cusp of record-equalling club switch
Trade targets for the Giants
The Giants are in for a big off-season, with a number of key departures meaning their decision making will be one of intrigue as they look to make another Finals appearance in 2026.
So, where can they make upgrades, and which out-of-contract players could the Giants realistically add?
We take a look at five trade and free agency targets for GWS to consider this year.
FULL LIST: Five trade targets for EVERY AFL team: GWS Giants
Contract negotiations broken down between Eagles and skipper as departure looms
West Coast captain and pending restricted free agent Oscar Allen has provided an update on contract negotiations between him and the Eagles, as rumours of his departure for a move to Brisbane intensify.
Speaking on Perth radio station Mix94.5's Pete & Kymba with Ben Cousins, Allen spotlighted the difficulties of managing restricted free agency and shared insight into the stalling contract talks with West Coast.
However, similarly to teammate Liam Ryan, the Eagles view Allen as a "required player" for 2026, with senior coach Andrew McQualter speaking on the constant dialogue between player and list management on Monday.
FULL STORY: Eagles captain opens up on contract talks
