Three first-round selections for any player is jaw-dropping, but it is the dawn of a new age.
Sydney's offering of their top picks in 2025, 2026 and 2027 for Carlton's Charlie Curnow - and an array of later selections - can be deemed overpriced. And in most circles, it is, despite his obvious talent and potential.
The deal ran parallel to Hawthorn and Essendon's quibble over Zach Merrett, with three top picks offered in exchange for the left footer. The Bombers wouldn't budge at anything less than four.
Gold Coast ponied up three first-round selections for Melbourne's Christian Petracca among a swap of picks.
It's the new benchmark.
But what if the Swans had safeguarded their future despite releasing their top three picks over that time span?
Sydney enters 2026 with the fifth-oldest (26 years old) list in the competition, according to Draftguru, and fourth most experienced (98.3 games).
But they have four Academy prospects (Max King, Lachie Carmichael, Harry Kyle and Noah Chamberlain) that are emerging as AFL players, and are all tipped to join the top flight.
The Swans have currently tallied 1,036 draft points through Picks 31, 32, 42, 63, 88, 106, but that all can change as clubs can swap selections up until and including draft night on November 19.
King could fall late in the first round, depending on bids, as could Carmichael, while Kyle and Chamberlain pose as second-round or later.
Sydney, albeit without a first-round pick, can still welcome a handy prospect, offsetting their Pick 11, which was sent to the Blues.
But the next part is where the crystal ball comes into the conversation.
Remember Chad Warner. He re-signed for two years in April this year, despite heavy links to Western Australia, and in particular, West Coast.
Warner was genuinely weighing up a move back to his home state, saying at the time he was "keeping my mind open".
"To be honest, I'm not too sure," Warner said in March.
"Obviously (the Swans' offer) is there and that's something I've got to think about, but I've got a lot to weigh up.
"I enjoy my time back here (in Western Australia) a lot. I think it's going to be hard for me. That's why I want to keep my mind open and let the year play out.
"Nah (I haven't closed the door on a potential WA return), nothing is closed off."
It's understood that Warner purchased a home in the Perth suburb of Applecross, which is ironically placed between Fremantle and Eagles headquarters, and already has a relationship with the latter's CEO: Don Pyke.
A move like that was made by Luke Jackson and Liam Baker before their shift from Victoria to their home state.
So the interest is there and will be until he retires. But, if Warner does opt to return home, what is a suitable price to meet Sydney's demands?
The 2025 trade period offered an insight into what the future might hold regarding the value of superstars of the competition. It was also enhanced by the fact that clubs have draft selections two years in advance at their disposal.
Curnow and three first-round picks. Petracca the same. Essendon wanted four for Merrett. All will be 29 or older by Round 1 in 2026.
Warner will be 24, and is seen as a future Brownlow Medal winner.
The minimum asking price by the Swans would start at three first-round selections, but could be pushed up to a quartet of top picks given the current landscape.
If Warner were to pursue a move home, Sydney would have a bevy of top-end selections return to their hand, which were momentarily lost via the Curnow move.
However, if the onballer sees the Swans as his long-term home, the use of the Academy will ensure talented youth continue to walk through the doors of Moore Park.
