Welcome to the Day 5 AFL Trade and Free Agency rolling blog, where you can find every move and all the big news as it happens.
Stay tuned throughout the day for updates.
St Kilda big man joins Melbourne
Melbourne have secured the services of St Kilda ruck-forward Max Heath, per AFL.com.au.
Heath, who has been on the radar of the Demons as they look to sure up their long-term ruck options, is set to swap Moorabbin for Casey in exchange for Melbourne's 2027 fourth-round pick.
The Beaumaris product made his AFL debut this year against Sydney in Round 18 and would play a further three matches, booting three goals.
He was drafted to the Saints via the 2021 Mid-Season Draft and was required to bide his time before making his maiden top-flight showing.
The acquisition of Heath sees the Demons add a youthful option to their ruck stocks, which currently are only home to Max Gawn and Tom Campbell, who will both be 34 next year.
"We're really excited to welcome a tall and physical player in Max, to the club," Melbourne AFL List Manager Tim Lamb said.
"We've been impressed by Max's aerial presence and ruck craft, and we look forward to his continued development as a Demon, working alongside our existing rucks in Max Gawn and Tom Campbell."
Ryan to Saints set as trade makes history
West Coast premiership player Liam Ryan has been traded to St Kilda, who will receive a pair of future picks, including a third-round selection for the 2027 draft.
That sees the deal become the first to ever include a future selection two years in advance, with this off-season being the first to allow clubs to do so.
According to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, Ryan has been traded in exchange for St Kilda's 2026 second-round selection, while the Eagles have also sent their 2027 third-round pick.
Ryan leaves the Eagles after eight seasons with the club. The 29-year-old played 125 games in the royal blue and gold, booting 158 goals.
He was a member of the club's 2018 premiership side, and would win All-Australian honours in 2020 after booting 26 goals in 18 games.
Saints backflip on Aleer move
St Kilda have reportedly decided against pursuing GWS defender Leek Aleer.
Aleer is off-contract and has requested a trade away from the Giants, with the Saints positioned as his desired landing spot.
After securing deals for Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni and Sam Flanders, as well as having West Coast's Liam Ryan in their sights, a move for Aleer is no longer expected, per AFL.com.au.
Aleer could return to GWS for the 2026 season or explore further options on the open market.
