It's been another massive week of trade news and speculation, with several fresh faces involved in speculation regarding moves and new deals.
Here's all the latest trade news and analysis from the past week...
Cats meet with rival ruck
The Geelong Cats have reportedly spoken with contracted ruckman Rowan Marshall about a potential trade to Kardinia Park amid a talent squeeze at Moorabbin.
According to 7 News' Mitch Cleary, the Cats have engaged in talks with Marshall, who is contracted until 2027, about a potential move in the upcoming trade period.
Marshall has been considered to be a trade target this off-season, ever since it was reported that Tom De Koning could join St Kilda on a massive eight-year contract, which would see the 29-year-old lose his spot as the clear number one rucking option for the club.
It's likely Geelong would need to give the Saints a first-round pick at minimum to acquire his talents, however, should Marshall request a trade.
REPORT: Geelong in hot pursuit of rival ruck as trade call looms
Giants pair request interstate trades
The GWS Giants have confirmed a pair of emerging talents will depart this off-season, with defender Leek Aleer and winger Jacob Wehr seeking opportunities elsewhere.
The out-of-contract Aleer will request a trade to St Kilda, while Wehr will exit the club via delisted free agency after GWS elected to delist him following the 2024 season, with his sights set on a move to Port Adelaide.
Aleer is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Saints valued at approximately $3 million, turning down a two-year offer from GWS.
ALEER REPORT: Emerging defender demands trade, chosen club revealed
WEHR REPORT: Port Adelaide confirm free agent's desire for SA switch
Victorian club to poach Eagles young gun
Carlton are set to land West Coast midfielder Campbell Chesser after it was reported he has requested a trade to the Blues.
Chesser reportedly had a two-year deal on the table from West Coast, but he has turned it down in order to return to his home state.
The Sandringham Dragons product has played 36 AFL games in his career, but featured in only four fixtures in 2025 due to an ankle injury that he elected to have surgery on in February.
DETAILS: West Coast youngster requests move to home state
Star Bomber makes free agency call
Sam Draper will officially exit Essendon and make a move north in free agency, expected to join the Brisbane Lions over his hometown Adelaide Crows.
The Bombers have claimed Draper "has not advised Essendon of his selected AFL club" in their statement on the matter but 9 News' Chief Football Reporter Tom Morris reported that the 26-year-old will commit to the Lions once the free agency window opens.
Draper expressed that the decision was one he did not make lightly, but conceded the toll of his regular injuries over the past three seasons, which has seen him feature in just 35 games since 2023, has taken a toll "both mentally and physically".
FULL STORY: Star ruck reportedly makes free agency call
Emerging Swans forward eyed by Victorian rival
Collingwood have been linked to off-contract Sydney forward Jack Buller, who is yet to cement his future beyond this year.
The Magpies are keen to bring Buller in for 2026 as the club looks to sharpen their forward stocks, according to SEN's Sam Edmund.
Buller is coming off a career-best campaign that saw him net 11 goals in nine matches, stepping into a key forward role often in the absence of teammate Joel Amartey.
REPORT: Collingwood reportedly chasing 10-gamer
Charlie Spargo signals next club
Premiership Demon Charlie Spargo is set to sign with cross-town rival North Melbourne this offseason and has informed Melbourne of his intentions to do so.
Spargo falls under the unrestricted band for free agency and is therefore eligible to exercise his rights to move clubs with no restriction from the Demons.
DETAILS: Premiership Demon decides to join Victorian rival
Essendon superstar on verge of shock exit
Zach Merrett has led trade news this week after it was revealed he had met with rival coach Sam Mitchell in the days following a report suggesting he had become disenchanted with the direction of the Essendon football club.
According to SEN's Sam Edmund, Merrett is exploring a potential move away from the Bombers due to the crave of success, given he's now nearly 30-years-old, and is unsure how quickly Essendon's talent can develop to help provide him with that premiership glory.
However, 9 News' Tom Morris has reported that Essendon's board of directors decided "unanimously" that Zach Merrett would not be traded at a board meeting during the week, with Merrett contracted at the Hangar until 2027.
Bombers senior coach Brad Scott also stated during the week that players should see out commitments they make to their respective clubs.
FULL STORY: Essendon star reportedly meets with rival club
Pair of contracted players seen as gettable ahead of trade period
Adelaide defender Jordon Butts and St Kilda tall Anthony Caminiti have emerged as trade targets for rival clubs despite both players being under contract at their respective clubs.
Both players are contracted through 2026, but rival clubs have taken interest in the unlikely targets following interest from the Western Bulldogs in the availability of Butts, and Collingwood inquiring about Caminiti.
DETAILS: Adelaide defender, St Kilda tall earning rival interest
Dockers duo seek departures
Fremantle duo Will Brodie and Liam Reidy have requested trades to Port Adelaide and Carlton, respectively in search of greater senior level opportunities.
Brodie is keen to leave the club and join the Power while under contract after playing just five AFL games in the past 24 months despite a breakout 2022 season.
Reidy has spent the past three years with Fremantle after being recruited as a rookie out of Frankston as a mature-aged ruckman.
DETAILS: Fremantle pair lodge trade requests
Hawks pair interested in fresh start
Hawthorn pair Sam Butler and Henry Hustwaite are reportedly "desperate to get out" of the club in search of greater senior opportunities, according to the Herald Sun's Jon Ralph.
West Coast have emerged as a rival suitor that is "very keen" on Butler, while Hustwaite has been linked with Carlton and Essendon.
DETAILS: Hawthorn duo “desperate to get out”
Suns midfielder weighing up future as rivals circle
A pair of interstate clubs have reportedly shown interest in out-of-contract midfielder Brayden Fiorini, who is yet to recommit to the Gold Coast Suns despite having a two-year deal on the table.
According to AFL Media's Cal Twomey, Port Adelaide and Essendon are the sides in the hunt for the 28-year-old, who is in the midst of one of the stronger seasons of his career, averaging 21.2 disposals per game.
