Veteran back-up ruck Tom Campbell didn’t play at all this season but has penned another deal off the back of some excellent VFL form; continuing to serve as Max Gawn insurance. Young duo Judd McVee and Taj Woewodin remain unsigned, as interest from Western Australia remains live. His star teammate Christian Petracca is also expected to be heavily pursued by rival clubs such as Hawthorn, though he remains contracted through 2029, and the Hawks might end up landing Essendon captain Zach Merrett instead. Though Aleer has gotten more opportunities this year — he’s not a best-23 lock anyway and remains stuck behind Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley and Connor Idun in Adam Kingsley’s star-studded defence. Flanders is weighing up his options and a return to Victoria for a bigger role elsewhere after being forced to play more across half-forward this year under Damien Hardwick. That list includes Rhys Stanley (who keeps on keeping on at age 34), and his future could be tied to whether or not the Cats acquire an established ruckman on the trade market.
- Weighing his options is Flanders — who’s been playing more across half-forward this year in Hardwick’s side. A bigger role elsewhere in Victoria is being considered.
- Landing one of those two stars might hinder their bid for Zak Butters in 12 months. That’s a concern for another trade period.
- Are there any senior special offers at IntercityHotel Celle?
- Chris, to be fair Hawthorn tried to shoehorn Essendon into giving up Merrett fully knowing they were not going to part with a Grade A player in return.
- Collingwood is reportedly using Nick Daicos in its pursuit of a rival superstar.
**Blues make three changes, including Howe to miss for Pies: AFL teams and expert tips for round 19**
He’s an All-Australian ruckman (and when he plays), they’re 7-2 this season. According to Jon Ralph of CODE Sports, the Western Bulldogs have no interest in trading All-Australian ruck Tim English. Unsigned beyond this season, Greene is eligible for free agency and linked to Geelong.
**A victory for West Coast? **
Merrett’s got to be bitterly disappointed tonight after everything that’s NRL news and betting transpired over the last month or so. « We put a number of options to the Crows (it could have been achieved in multiple ways but at the end of the day they chose to put forward the offer they chose), and it didn’t meet our needs. » Cal Twomey reports Geelong’s final offer was pick 19 and a future second-round pick, which St Kilda did not accept. « There was a conversation on day one, we offered up pick 19 straight away … from there they seemed to pivot to not trading him. »
An offer was made to Fiorini, confirmed by Suns’ Craig Cameron.
**AFL trades and free agency deals confirmed by 2025**
Ed Allan of Collingwood could be another option if the former Pick 19 wants to move back to his home state, despite his career-best 13 senior games in 2025. All year, there’s been trade speculation around rucking duo Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy. However (Jackson isn’t going anywhere), as he told the club. Cockburn’s Brodie is contracted for another season, so the club aims to secure draft capital in return.
Rebound defender Ollie Florent had been included as part of a rejected trade offer to Carlton for Curnow, but the two clubs have now agreed a deal to send him to the Blues. The Saints haven’t commented publicly on the deal since CEO Carl Dilena’s interview on October 10 — where he claimed Marshall was likely to stay at St Kilda. St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall requested a trade to Geelong, but couldn’t end up at the Cats as the Saints remained steadfast that they wouldn’t trade him. On Tuesday night (Hawthorn presented Essendon with a significant offer in an effort to tempt the Bombers), but as of now the Dons have held firm that he will remain at Tullamarine.
- Simmering noise suggests a move for St Kilda’s Jack Steele, who could benefit McQualter’s side.
- After Callum Wilkie’s decision to stay, are the Dogs chasing another key defender?
- Flanders is expected to make a decision on his 2026 club in the coming days – with Melbourne and Carlton also reportedly interested.
- While Hawthorn is favored, Cleary says the Demons shouldn’t be ruled out for Humphrey’s trade.
**Day five of the AFL trade period sees confirmed deals**
At Alberton in 2026, the 24-year-old superstar will be. Beyond then, it’s uncertain. Despite their light key defensive stocks, surprise remains around their lack of public interest in GWS’ Leek Aleer. A five-year deal is on the table for uncontracted Saint Marcus Windhager, but there are no guarantees. Also without a deal at St Kilda beyond 2025 is four-game ruck Max Heath — who Melbourne could pursue.
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Previously, it was reported that Melbourne were prepared to pay around $,000 of Oliver’s existing contract. Essendon have « softened » (it now appears), after Cleary thought Merrett would stay at the Bombers. Essendon are yet to shut the door, » Cleary said on The Agenda Setters. The Cats are going to have one last crack at Marshall, but hope is fading for a move to the Cattery.