The FIVE failed moves of the 2025 AFL trade period

Five players were unable to find new homes for 2026 after trades between their current clubs and the prospective homes weren't brokered. We break down the FIVE failed moves... Zach Merrett Merrett, who was arguably the biggest name of the 2025 period, was desperate to get to Hawthorn. The six-time Crichton medallist dropped a league-wide bombshell when he met with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell, despite holding a contract until the end of 2027. Hawthorn, who bowed out in a preliminary final, acknowledged the need to bolster their midfield stocks, especially given James Worpel's departure to Geelong and the uncertainty around Will Day's health. Merrett had been linked with moves in previous years, but 2025 seemed like the season. However, it was up to the Hawks to provide a suitable trade for the classy left-footer, which ultimately wasn't done. https://twitter.com/AFL/status/1978387797191925901 The final offer of Hawthorn's to Essendon was Pick 10, 22, its 2026 first-round selection and Henry Hustwaite in exchange for Merrett and a future third-round pick. The Bombers' strong stance on retaining their captain came true. Essendon were steadfast that four first-round selections would be close to striking a deal, which could've looked like: Pick 10, 22 and first-round picks from 2026 and 2027 and a second-rounder. Hawthorn wasn't willing to pull the trigger. Rowan Marshall Following St Kilda's acquisition of Tom De Koning via free agency, Marshall wanted to seek a new opportunity down the highway at Geelong. The 30-year-old requested a trade to the Cattery, but was under contract, meaning the Saints held the whip hand. Geelong, who have been agonising over a genuine ruckman for the better part of a decade, were keen on luring Marshall to Kardinia Park. They initially offered Pick 19 to St Kilda, which was swiftly denied. https://twitter.com/traderadio/status/1978384696443564293 A revised offer saw a future second-round selection put to the Saints. It was denied. Marshall will remain at St Kilda for 2026. Callum Ah Chee Adelaide and Brisbane's frosty negotiations saw two-time premiership player Ah Chee fail to be traded from Queensland to South Australia. The Lions were steadfast on bringing in a first-round selection for Ah Chee, which stood as Pick 16. The Crows countered the offer with a future second and third round pick. https://twitter.com/traderadio/status/1978386282976792963 Both clubs were at a stalemate. Ah Chee's out-of-contract status means that Adelaide can walk the 29-year-old to the Pre-Season Draft, which then he is open to a league-wide pool. "We certainly explored many avenues in our endeavours to get a deal done with Brisbane," Adelaide GM List Management Justin Reid said. "Callum has given great service to the Lions, and we see him as a player who can really help improve our squad. "We're committed to Callum joining the Club and he is committed to joining us." There is a watch on West Coast, although the Crows are extremely confident they will secure Ah Chee on a five-year deal. https://twitter.com/traderadio/status/1978383286901633337 Buku Khamis The wantaway Western Bulldog wanted to make his way to Carlton, but failed to find a new home due to the Charlie Curnow deal. The Blues prioritised sending Curnow to Sydney as a part of a monster trade, which netted the Ikon Park club Will Hayward, Pick 11 and the Swans' 2026 and 2027 first-round pick. However, they sent across Picks 31, 42 and a 2026 second-round selection. It was believed the Bulldogs wanted Pick 31 as part of a deal for Khamis, but ultimately were left wanting. He will remain at the Whitten Oval in 2026. Jy Simpkin Collingwood tabled two separate offers for North Melbourne's captain Jy Simpkin, which were quickly rejected. https://twitter.com/traderadio/status/1978377551073485160 The Kangaroos wanted two first-round selections for their skipper, setting the bar high for a two-time best and fairest winner. The Pies had tabled its 2027 first-round pick for Simpkin and Pick 46. Then it offered a future second-round selection. Simpkin sought new opportunities elsewhere in a bid for more midfield minutes, but has been held to his contract, which expires at the end of 2029.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

The FIVE failed moves of the 2025 AFL trade period

Some big names were unable to find new homes.

2Rowan Marshall

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