Verdicts on the 19 looming player trades to be done before the deadline: AFL trade news, rumours

Just three days of wheeling and dealing remain in the 2025 AFL Trade Period, which could still see upward of 20 players move clubs. Some of the game's biggest names are in line to land elsewhere, with Christian Petracca, Charlie Curnow, Zach Merrett, Clayton Oliver and Rowan Marshall seeking moves. Almost every club has some part to play in the trade period prior to Wednesday's 7:30pm (AEDT) deadline, whether that be moving for a player, bidding farewell to one, or helping facilitate a trade between two other sides. Players like Leek Aleer and Bailey Humphrey have been part of the trade rumour mill over the past two weeks, but no clear landing spots have emerged, potentially adding to the deals that could be struck in the coming days. Here, we look at 19 players potentially on the move, and the likelihood of those deals happening. Clayton Oliver to GWS Verdict: Very Likely The Demons and Giants held talks over Oliver on Friday following his request to be traded to Sydney's west. There are two parts to these negotiations however, with the picks involved being one, and the salary split between the two sides being the other. Melbourne are likely to fork up a solid portion of Oliver's lucrative long-term deal, with the more they pay the better the price they'll receive in a trade. The Demons could see this as a salary dump deal however, and might secure little in return. GWS hold Picks 14, 35 and 37, as well as all of their future selections. Rowan Marshall to Geelong Verdict: Unlikely Talks have waned but the Cats remain keen on the St Kilda ruckman. For the Saints, it makes sense to open talks over a deal for Marshall, where they hold the leverage given his contract status. The Cats will need to come to the table, with their 2025 first-round selection - Pick 19 - likely the centre of the deal. This could hinge on how the Cats fare in their pursuit of Charlie Curnow though, making it a potential late deal on deadline day if one can be struck. Charlie Curnow to Sydney/Geelong Verdict: Unlikely Geelong can't improve their offer of three first-round picks much further unless they get players involved, which looks an extremely outside chance. The Swans, seemingly, are assessing their assets that could be up for grabs, with all of James Rowbottom, Will Hayward and Ollie Florent looped into speculation in recent days. All three are said to be keen to stay at the Swans, who, like Geelong, aren't going to satisfy the Blues with just picks. Callum Ah Chee to Adelaide Verdict: Likely The two clubs are believed to be in somewhat of a stalemate in talks over the two-time premiership forward's future. The reported asking price of Pick 16 seems a little steep, however the Crows don't have another selection until Pick 48 for this year's draft. A future second-round selection from the Crows in exchange for Ach Chee and maybe a later selection from the Lions might get this done, but there's no doubt how highly Brisbane rate their man. Given he's off-contract, the leverage is with Adelaide in this one. Buku Khamis to Carlton Verdict: Likely The Blues have been one of the busier clubs this off-season, having acquired Liam Reidy, Campbell Chesser and Ben Ainsworth in the first week of the trade period. The early work should give them some breathing space to settle a deal for Khamis, whom the Dogs are open to parting with at the right price. Given the swingman is under contract, Carlton will need to tread carefully in their negotiations, but they won't need to stump up a pretty price for the wantaway Bulldog. Christian Petracca to Gold Coast Verdict: Likely Despite Petracca's large contract, this should get done, but an agreement might not be reached until close to the deadline. The Suns' stance was bolstered when they acquired Pick 7 for Sam Flanders, with that selection likely to be part of a deal for Petracca. What also heads to Melbourne is up in the air, with Pick 8 likely in the Demons' sights also. The two top 10 picks for Petracca might be overs, so the Demons can help the Suns' draft plans by sending a few multiple late picks north to aid Gold Coast's ability to match bids for their top-rated teenagers. Jy Simpkin to Collingwood Verdict: Unlikely While the Magpies might want Simpkin, and Simpkin might want to join the Magpies, satisfying North Melbourne might be too much for Collingwood. Reports suggest two first-round picks is the asking price, which immediately makes things difficult for Collingwood, as they're without their opening pick for 2025 and won't be keen to part with their 2026 and 2027 firsts. They would also be taking on a sizeable salary, giving them little upside overall if they even were to meet the Roos' demands. A single first-round pick should get this done if all parties are of the view that Collingwood return to the top four next year and in 2027, however the Magpies might want a sweetener if they're taking on the entire contract. James Rowbottom to Collingwood Verdict: Unlikely The Swans midfielder has been one of the late arrivals to the party this trade period, with his own club said to be open to shopping him. Whether Rowbottom, who is contracted until the end of 2029, wants a move back to Victoria is another thing. He has met with Collingwood, suggesting there is some interest from both sides, and the Swans would be listening to offers if it can help their pursuit of Charlie Curnow. Sydney will want to make sure they can satisfy the Blues before parting with their tackling machine, with a first-round pick needed in return. It might just be too late for this one to get off the ground, but we'll see. Zach Merrett to Hawthorn Verdict: Very Unlikely If Essendon's positioning on this saga is anything to go by, this deal won't get close to being done. The Bombers have remained steadfast that Merrett will be in the red and black in 2026, while the Hawks hadn't held any discussions with their arch rivals before this week. Even if Essendon were open to a trade, it's hard to see how the Hawks can appease the Dons, who are likely after more than two first-round picks. The Hawks hold Pick 9, which is a good start, but their two future first-rounders are likely to land in the 20s come their respective drafts. Will Brodie to Port Adelaide Verdict: Likely There hasn't been much talk on this one, but you can expect both clubs to reach an agreement with some ease. While Brodie is contracted, the Dockers aren't expected to stand in his way, especially given his last AFL game came in 2023. A late selection for the ex-Suns midfielder should get this done, especially now that the Power have secured Jacob Wehr and Corey Durdin already this off-season. The only concern is that the Power only hold Pick 49 for this year's draft, and will want to stock up on future selections given they have a strong crop of linked kids coming through the next two drafts. Brayden Fiorini to Essendon Verdict: Very Likely This should be an easy deal, with Fiorini only being traded to the Bombers instead of moving as a free agent given Essendon don't want to dilute their Sam Draper compensation. The Suns won't want to just let Fiorini walk without any return, so a future third-round pick might get this done. Jai Serong to Sydney Verdict: Very Likely Off-contract and not a best 23 player, there won't be much leverage in the Hawks' favour over a deal for Serong. That's not to say they don't rate him highly off the back of successive best and fairests for Box Hill. The Swans are tied up in talks with Carlton for Charlie Curnow, but a future pick for Serong looks an easy avenue to take, with the NSW side wanting to keep as many 2025 picks as they can given their solid Academy class. Jack Buller to Collingwood Verdict: Very Likely Another fringe off-contract player seeking a move, this is another deal that should be straightforward. The Swans will still set a solid price for Buller, who found his groove at senior level this year. Collingwood will likely need to part with a third-round pick, or exchange multiple later selections to satisfy the Swans, who will want to add to their 2025 draft points total. Deven Robertson to West Coast Verdict: Very Likely Robertson is now expected to be delisted by the Lions, making this an easy one for West Coast. Delisted free agency will open between the trade and draft periods, while the Supplemental Selection Period is another option after draft. The Rookie Draft and Pre-Season Drafts could also be used, where the Eagles will hold Pick 1 in each. Connor Budarick to Western Bulldogs Verdict: Very Likely There's been little talk around Budarick's move since the opening of the trade period, but this could be done early in week two. A deal that also includes Jamarra Ugle-Hagan heading to the Suns could be considered, but the picks and parts that complete that transaction are unclear. Could a straight swap work? The Dogs are keen to part with Ugle-Hagan, and Budarick is off-contract. Changkuoth Jiath to Carlton Verdict: Very Unlikely There was some suggestion Jiath was likely to land at Princes Park, but given his contract status and Carlton's already-busy off-season, this looks like a long shot. The Blues do need to add some dash to their defence though, so whether they make a late play for Jiath or consider a likelier move for someone like Ollie Florent will be a bit of a watch. Jamarra Ugle-Hagan to Gold Coast Verdict: Very Likely Ugle-Hagan is inching closer to a Suns switch, having undergone a medical in Queensland this week following multiple meetings. The Dogs won't stand in his way, while Gold Coast are expected to have him join on a new contract to the one he has at the Bulldogs for the next 12 months. If this one is done away from the Connor Budarick discussions, then a late pick is all that will be needed. Tylar Young to West Coast Verdict: Very Likely The Eagles had flagged on Monday that they saw this one being straightforward, but we're set to be a week on and nothing has been settled. West Coast have bolstered their draft hand since, adding Pick 41 from Carlton in a trade for Campbell Chesser. That selection could be passed on to the Tigers for Young, while the Eagles also hold Picks 1, 2, 13, 34, 38, 41, 53 and 58. Jack Steele to Adelaide/Essendon Verdict: Unlikely The Saints skipper is believed to have interest from the Crows and Bombers, but just how strong that is remains to be seen. Esendon may only be in the mix if their own captain leaves, while the Crows might need to settle a deal for Callum Ah Chee before making any further moves. At this time, it seems as though Steele will remain in the red, white and black.

		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

Verdicts on the 19 looming player trades to be done before the deadline: AFL trade news, rumours

A look at the likelihood of close to 20 expected trade deals.

14Deven Robertson to West Coast

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