ADELAIDE

The Crows look like they’ll be one of the more active players in this year’s trade period. Melbourne’s Alex Neal-Bullen has requested a trade to West Lakes for personal reasons and all signs point towards a trade being struck between the two clubs rather amicably for the hard-working half-forward. Elsewhere, Giants jet Isaac Cumming is also a strong chance of being in Adelaide colours come 2025. The Crows are in the box seat to snag the rebounding defender who has dealt with an array of hamstring issues in recent times. Suns utility Jack Lukosius is another name that could land at West Lakes over the off-season. The Gold Coast Suns have left the door ajar for Lukosius to explore his options, but he’s reportedly considering taking a pay cut to remain at the Gold Coast, according to the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph. The Crows have been monitoring the South Australian product since he was draft by the Suns and could bring the local back home this trade period. The Crows have also registered interest in livewire Sun Malcolm Rosas Jnr who has been told to assess his options as the Suns look to clear some cap space. Tall Elliott Himmelberg is a big watch over the next couple of months. Himmelberg remains without a contract for 2025 after his failed attempt to join his brother Harry at the Giants last off-season, but the Suns are also keen on the unrestricted free agent, according to Channel 9’s Tom Morris. Defender Mark Keane, midfielder Sam Berry and star veteran Taylor Walker have all re-signed with the club in recent weeks despite rival interest.

BRISBANE

It’s looming as a quiet trade period for the Lions, who are set to add two guns through the draft in Levi Ashcroft and Sam Marshall. Ashcroft, the brother of Will and son of Marcus, is arguably the best player of this year’s crop and will make an immediate impact for the Lions next season. The damaging midfielder has showcased elite consistency over the past few seasons and could become the first player to win three Coates Talent League premierships if his Sandringham Dragons side go all the way this season. The Lions also get access to his Dragons teammate Marshall, who is a part of their Academy. Brisbane is a “club to watch” in the Malcolm Rosas Jnr battle, according to AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge. Rosas would bolster the Lions’ small forward stocks as they look to push towards an elusive premiership under Chris Fagan. There’s also been mild links to injury-prone Blue Jack Martin, but he appears more likely to head to Fremantle. Midfielder Deven Robertson turned down an offer from West Coast and recommitted to the club last season but has struggled to break into the senior side again this year. With Ashcroft 2.0 and Marshall looming, could he seek greater opportunities elsewhere?

 

CARLTON

The Blues are set to bolster their defence with the acquisition of veteran Giant Nick Haynes this off-season. The 32-year-old has managed just eight senior games this season and is looking to play more regular senior footy as he enters the twilight of his career. Despite publicly stating he would remain at Port Adelaide, there’s still some noise around Dan Houston heading back to Victoria too. The Blues have lacked some class and drive from their half-back line this year and that’s something Houston has in spades. The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph says the Blues are “very keen to get in front of Dan Houston” and given the state of their list, going hard for Houston could be the missing piece in their premiership push. Small forward Matthew Owies remains out of contract, despite kicking a combined 60 goals over the past two years and is an interesting watch. Injury-prone forward Jack Martin has been delisted but has been linked to multiple rival clubs and has reportedly completed a medical with Fremantle, while midfielder Jack Carroll could head back home to Western Australia for greater opportunities.

COLLINGWOOD

Collingwood has interest in Essendon star Jake Stringer as it looks to bounce back after missing the finals this season. According to AFL Media’s Cal Twomey, Stringer “is telling people he’s played his last game for the Bombers and he’s done there”. They’re also reportedly keen on his out-of-favour teammate at Essendon Ben Hobbs. The Pies were chasing hard after Adelaide’s Mark Keane, but the Irishman has penned a three-year extension to remain at West Lakes until the end of 2028. They are clearly in the market for some defensive depth after the retirement of Nathan Murphy in the pre-season, especially when you consider that Jeremy Howe isn’t getting any younger. Demons tall Adam Tomlinson could certainly help to bolster that area of the ground. The Pies were blindsided when dashing defender John Noble requested a trade to Gold Coast in his exit meeting and there’s still a bit to play out on that front. Small forward Joe Richards reportedly has a four-year deal on the table from Port Adelaide, while tall Nathan Kreuger is a fringe best 23 player and could be lured elsewhere if greater senior opportunities present. Finlay Macrae and Reef McInnes have both struggled to cement their places in Craig McRae’s senior side, do they stick fat or move on? The Pies have also been linked to Power star Dan Houston, Tigers tall Tom Lynch, Saint Tim Membrey and versatile Giant James Peatling. They don’t have a lot of draft capital to work with this season, so it remains to be seen how they could get some of those deals done.

 

 

ESSENDON

The Bombers are in an intriguing position when it comes to their list, so there’s some big calls for list boss Matt Rosa to make this off-season. The biggest question mark is on Jake Stringer, who “is telling people he’s played his last game for the Bombers and he’s done there”, according to AFL Media’s Cal Twomey. Stringer has reportedly triggered a contract extension for 2025 but faces an uncertain future as he hunts a longer-term deal. The Bombers have tabled a one-year deal to Jayden Laverde, but the key defender has been linked to St Kilda, where he could get a longer-term contract. The Saints also have interest in midfielder Dylan Shiel, while Ben Hobbs has been linked to Collingwood as he seeks greater senior opportunities. Harrison Jones, Will Setterfield and Sam Weideman are amongst the names still waiting on a contract for 2025. Could they make a play for Gold Coast small forward Malcolm Rosas Jnr? The Suns livewire has been told to explore his options and he would definitely bolster their stocks. They’ll also get NGA prospect Isaac Kako in the draft, who is widely considered one of the best small forwards of this year’s pool.

FREMANTLE

The Dockers are set to be one of the busiest clubs this off-season with a number of balls in the air. Perhaps the biggest name they could secure is Tigers superstar Shai Bolton, who has requested a trade out of Richmond. Bolton wants to get back home to WA for family reasons and would add some flair to Fremantle’s front half game. They could also secure the services of Bolton’s Tigers teammate, Liam Baker. Baker hasn’t nominated a preferred club but seems more likely to land at arch-rivals West Coast. Recently delisted Blue Jack Martin has reportedly undergone a medical at the Dockers, according to 9 NewsPerth’s Paddy Sweeney. If Martin can overcome his injury woes, he’d be a bargain pickup for Justin Longmuir’s side. On the other hand, Melbourne small forward Kysaiah Pickett is all but certain to remain in the red and blue next year, despite speculation around his playing future last month. Elsewhere, fringe forward Tom Emmett could seek a move back to South Australia as he looks to reignite his AFL career, while they have some interest in injury-prone Giant Isaac Cumming, although Adelaide are believed to be the frontrunners there. It’s certainly a long shot, but could they make a play for star Swan Chad Warner who comes out of contract at the end of next year? One to keep an eye on going into 2025.

 

GEELONG

The main priority for the Cats remains wantaway Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith, who has formally indicated his desire to be traded but has not confirmed his destination of choice. However, it has and remains to be seen as a fait accompli that Smith makes his way to Geelong in October. It will likely need to surrender its first-round pick — currently No. 16 — to get a deal over the line. Fellow Bulldogs ball-getter Jack Macrae has been linked to the Cattery but appears more likely to remain in Melbourne if he departs the Kennel. Fringe Gold Coast onballer Alex Davies was another supposedly on the Cats’ radar, but he is finalising a recommitment to the Suns. Elsewhere, Geelong has been one of multiple clubs interested in contracted West Coast forward Jake Waterman as it plans for life after the retiring Tom Hawkins, but his current deal runs through the 2025 season and he hasn’t indicated a desire to leave the Eagles. In-house, uncontracted midfielder Brandan Parfitt is expected to depart the club for opportunities elsewhere after reportedly not receiving an extension, Zach Tuohy will retire at the conclusion of Geelong’s finals campaign, while skipper Patrick Dangerfield remains out of contract but is expected to re-sign. Further household names still without 2025 contracts include Mitch Duncan, Jake Kolodjashnij, Gary Rohan, Rhys Stanley and Jed Bews.

GOLD COAST SUNS

Gold Coast is anticipated to be one of the busier clubs during this year’s player movement window — and the Dustin Martin whispers have ramped right back up. On Friday, news broke that Martin, despite retiring in August, ‘reached out’ to the Suns and met with coach Damien Hardwick up north, seemingly about the possibility of resuming his career in Carrara. Given Martin was eligible for unrestricted free agency prior to his retirement, the 33-year-old could walk uninhibited to the Gold Coast. Further to any potential play for Martin, the club is set to attain some serious counterattacking speed with Richmond’s Daniel Rioli and Collingwood’s John Noble both itching to head north despite their contracted status. The Tigers will be itching to get their paws on Gold Coast’s No. 6 pick, while the Magpies are thought to be targeting its No. 12 choice; potentially as part of a swapping of picks. Swingman Jack Lukosius, on the other hand, is expected to leave Gold Coast this off-season in favour of his home state of South Australia, with Adelaide considered slightly ahead of Port in the chase for the tall utility. However, midfielder Alex Davies will be sticking around — despite attracting interest from Collingwood and Geelong — as he closes in on a two-year contract extension. Speaking of contracts, the Suns finalised a mega extension for burgeoning key-position star Mac Andrew. Elsewhere, questions remain over the futures of Nick Holman, Alex Sexton and Levi Casboult, who remain without contracts for next season. Holman and Sexton were regular contributors at senior level this year, but Casboult didn’t play after Round 2.

 

GWS GIANTS

As its disappointing finals campaign comes to an abrupt close, GWS hasn’t been involved in as much importing talk as it has been in exporting. High-profile free agents Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming remain unsigned for 2025 and are widely tipped to depart — both likely for South Australian clubs. Nick Haynes’ back-loaded salary will also be off the Giants’ books this year, with the 32-year-old expected to sign with Carlton as a free agent, while out-of-contract midfielder James Peatling is firmly on the radar of rival clubs. The Giants nearly landed Adelaide swingman Elliott Himmelberg last trade period but it remains to be seen whether another pursuit is in the cards this year — though he is eligible for free agency this time around. However, if they do pursue the brother of Harry, the Giants could have Gold Coast as competition for the tall utility’s services, with the Suns having reportedly shown interest. With its finals run now concluded, GWS will have decisions to make on uncontracted personnel heading into 2025 — senior trio Lachie Keeffe, Adam Kennedy and the oft-injured Brayden Preuss currently sit without deals, while youngster Conor Stone is yet to put pen to paper. Keeffe has played a crucial role during this finals series and — unless he wants to retire — would be unlucky not to get another deal, while Kennedy and Preuss seem outsiders.

HAWTHORN

Despite being bundled out in a semi-final against Port Adelaide on Friday night, the Hawks are set to be a force to be reckoned with in 2025. St Kilda unrestricted free agent Josh Battle has officially nominated the Hawks as his club of choice for next year in what is seen as a massive boost for Sam Mitchell’s side, who have looked vulnerable in that part of the ground at times this season. West Coast Eagles superstar Tom Barrass has also requested a trade to the club, with the Hawks likely having to give up one, if not two first round picks. According to the Herald Sun’s Jay Clark, the Hawks would give up two first round picks for Barrass and West Coast’s future second round selection. It’s clearly not a cheap asking price, but Barrass and Battle both fill a list need. Giants rebounding defender Harry Perryman is the third name who the Hawks have a registered interest in this off-season, but can they bring all three to the club? The Hawks have reportedly put a hefty deal in front of the unrestricted free agent, so don’t rule it out. They’ve also been in the mix for want-away Bulldog Bailey Smith, but he appears more likely to head down the highway to Geelong. Small forward Chad Wingard has retired after 218 games at the top level, while defender Denver Grainger-Barras remains without a deal for 2025. With Barrass and Battle incoming, does the former top 10 draft pick seek a move elsewhere? Ruckman Ned Reeves remains contracted until the end of 2026 but is viewed as gettable by rival clubs given he has been usurped by former Docker Lloyd Meek in 2024. Both Luke Breust and Jack Gunston will go around again after securing one-year extensions.

 

MELBOURNE

For a while there it looked as though the Dees were going to suffer a mass exodus this off-season, but things have simmered in recent times. Superstar midfielder Christian Petracca has reaffirmed his commitment to the club, despite rumblings around the industry that he wanted to play for another club next year. Whether a trade was just going to be too difficult to strike between a rival club, or that Petracca is happy with the measures the Dees have put in place or 2025 and beyond remains to be seen, but this will no doubt be an interesting watch throughout 2025. There’s also been murmurings around Jack Viney, Clayton Oliver and Kysaiah Pickett but barring a bombshell over the trade period, all will be in the red and blue next year. They will be without hard-working half-forward Alex Neal-Bullen next year though, who has requested a trade to Adelaide for family reasons. They were considered frontrunners for Port Adelaide’s Dan Houston, but that appears increasingly unlikely as it stands. Could they make a play for veteran talls Tom Lynch or Tim Membrey to give their forward line an injection of talent? Reborn West Coast star Jake Waterman is another name of interest, but he’ll cost plenty from a draft capital perspective. They’re also in the race for versatile Giant James Peatling, who is weighing up his options for 2025. They’re more likely to land his teammate Wade Derksen, the uncapped tall who has shown plenty of potential. Don’t rule out a play for dashing Giants defender Isaac Cumming, while Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph says the Demons could chase Leek Aleer who has struggled to cement a place in Adam Kingsley’s best side. Fringe defender Adam Tomlinson has reported interest from the likes of St Kilda and Collingwood and may play his footy elsewhere in 2025. Another name to watch, Geelong’s Brandan Parfitt is “looking for a new home” according to Ralph. The Dees are arguably the most intriguing team to keep an eye on this off-season, do they top up on talent or look to youth to drive their next premiership push?

NORTH MELBOURNE

The Roos have made no secrets of highlighting their desire to bring across an experienced player or two this off-season. Both Swans gun Luke Parker and Port Adelaide midfielder Ollie Wines certainly fit that bill, as does Sydney defender Dane Rampe, who would also boost their vulnerable key defensive stocks. West Coast veteran Jack Darling has been strongly linked to Arden Street and would not only provide valuable on-field leadership, he’d also give star forward Nick Larkey a bit of a chop out in the forward line. AFL Media’s Cal Twomey said he would be “surprised” if both Darling and Parker aren’t at North Melbourne next year. They have had interest in Dan Houston (offering a first round pick), but it appears unlikely he’ll make his way to Arden Street. The likes of Cam Zurhaar, Bailey Scott, Harry Sheezel and Tristan Xerri have all recommitted to the club in a sign that things are finally starting to look up for Alastair Clarkson’s troops. Expect the Roos to otherwise target the draft once more to top up on elite young talent.

 

PORT ADELAIDE

The fascination with Dan Houston continues to drag on, with an overwhelming belief from many that he won’t be at the club next year – despite saying himself multiple times on Adelaide radio that he isn’t going anywhere. The 27-year-old has met with several Victorian clubs while sitting out the remainder of the season with suspension, so evidently something is bubbling away behind the scenes. As per multiple reports, the Giants’ Harry Perryman has been offered a lucrative six-year deal by the Power, but the winger is yet to make a call on his future – mostly for the fact he’s still on the hunt for a maiden premiership this season. His teammate Isaac Cumming has been linked less so to Alberton and more so to cross-town rival Adelaide, but he’s naturally still a chance to land there. There have been conflicting reports on the future of Sun Jack Lukosius, with nothing set in stone as to where he might want to play in 2025. The inkling is that if he was to come home to South Australia, it would be to Adelaide – but could his established relationship with childhood friend Connor Rozee be a factor? Magpie Joe Richards and Bulldog Riley Garcia are both reportedly targets this off-season, with a strong offer on the table for Richards that currently outweighs that of Collingwood. And in a very odd change of heart, Ivan Soldo could leave the club after just one year; apparently not stoked with his lack of game time after moving from Richmond. Having fallen behind teammate Jordan Sweet in the ruck pecking order, St Kilda look a chance to show their interest in Soldo. 370-gamer Travis Boak looks more likely than not to sign on in 2025, while Charlie Dixon and Trent McKenzie look all but certain to retire in the coming weeks.

RICHMOND

Richmond shapes as the busiest club in the competition come October, with a host of departures expected. It is fait accompli that Liam Baker and Shai Bolton will return to Western Australia — Baker still hasn’t decided on the Eagles or Dockers, while Bolton will be a Fremantle player — Daniel Rioli has plans to reunite with Damien Hardwick in Carrara, while Jack Graham is weighing up four-year contact offers from the Eagles and Tigers. Richmond’s list boss Blair Hartley, as well as first-year recruiting manager Chris Toce, have a host of crucial negotiations to navigate ahead of this November’s evenly-spread draft, where the Tigers are anticipated to make numerous top-end selections amid a list rehaul. However, importantly, they will retain premiership veteran Dion Prestia on a one-year deal. Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes, Marlion Pickett and Sam Naismith retired, though Martin has shockingly ‘reached out’ to Gold Coast about the possibility of playing there in 2025, per reports. Elsewhere, Kamdyn McIntosh, Thomson Dow, Noah Cumberland and Matt Coulthard remain without 2025 contracts, with Cumberland and Coulthard in particular seeming on the outer ahead of October’s player movement period.

 

ST KILDA

The Saints are desperately crying out to poach a big-name star from a rival club, but it remains to be seen if they’ll do that this year. They were dealt a big blow when star defender Josh Battle chose to exercise his unrestricted free agency rights and leave for Hawthorn. They’re likely to secure pick 8 in compensation however, which is a great result. The Saints are in the hunt for two established defenders to help replace Battle. Melbourne tall Adam Tomlinson and Essendon defender Jayden Laverde are both being looked at to help fill the void. They’re also circling out-of-favour Bulldog Jack Macrae however, who has requested a trade out of the Kennel. Macrae would add some much-needed midfield depth to Ross Lyon’s side. Port Adelaide ruck Ivan Soldo is another option for the Saints, who are hoping to put some support around star ruck Rowan Marshall. However, they’ve ruled themselves out of the race for Port Adelaide star Dan Houston, who remains adamant he will stay at Alberton. The Saints still have interested in Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel, who would add another dimension to their midfield mix. Versatile Giant James Peatling is another name to watch, but there’s a host of clubs interested in his services.

SYDNEY

The Swans were able to secure the signatures of star duo Logan McDonald and Will Hayward throughout the season which was a massive result given the money and length of offers thrown at the duo by rival clubs. Their attention now turns to maligned Bomber Jake Stringer, who AFL Media’s Damian Barrett said was a player in the sights of the Swans. Stringer would add another dimension to John Longmire’s forward setup, taking pressure of their young group of tall forwards who have been inconsistent at times this campaign. Veteran Luke Parker could be on the move though, with North Melbourne looking increasingly likely to be his club in 2025. Parker has had a tough year due to injury and suspension but can still play a vital role in Sydney’s premiership tilt this season. Ruck Peter Ladhams is stuck behind Brodie Grundy in the pecking order and could seek greater senior opportunities elsewhere, while small forward Jacob Konstanty is yet to properly break into the senior side and could also be on the move.

 

WEST COAST

As is well documented, the trade request of star intercept defender Tom Barrass was filed a couple of weeks ago, with the 150-game Eagle intent on joining Hawthorn in 2025. Liam Baker is still yet which club out west he wants to play at; however, West Coast are the likelier of the two WA clubs to snag his services as he relocates away from Punt Road. His Tiger teammate Jack Graham is also highly likely to request a trade, but is still yet to officially inform the club of his presumed intentions. The club is also in the hunt for West Australian and current Bulldog Riley Garcia, who has been deprived of game time at the top level under Luke Beveridge. The 23-year-old would be an excellent pick up for the royal blue and yellow, and has obliterated opposition sides in the VFL all throughout 2024. Jamaine Jones, Alex Witherden and Jai Culley all have uncertain futures at the club, while foxfooty.com.au understands Josh Rotham looks highly unlikely to receive an extension after 72 games across six seasons at the club.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Sidelined midfielder Bailey Smith made his trade intentions formally clear but hasn’t nominated a destination of choice — though it remains the expectation that he will land in Geelong by the end of October. In all likelihood, the Dogs will land the Cats’ late first-round pick. After seeing his midfield minutes continue to dwindle, Jack Macrae, too, has officially indicated his desire to leave the Kennel this year, and while he hasn’t made a request as yet, rebounding defender Caleb Daniel remains destined to call another club home next season. Intrigue remains regarding the Bulldogs future of Rory Lobb, who was early in the season considered a lock to request a trade to a fourth team — but after an unexpected resurgence in Luke Beveridge’s defence, he might have locked down the best-23 spot he craves. But after missing on Tom Barrass, the Dogs seem likely to pursue another key defender this October — Demons free agent Adam Tomlinson could be worth examining as an addition. Buku Khamis (two years) and Taylor Duryea (one) recently penned new Dogs deals, leaving Jason Johannisen, Riley Garcia and Alex Keath among the higher-profile names at the club still without deals for next season. At present, the Dogs are armed with just Picks 32 and 44 for November’s national draft.