{"id":208870,"date":"2025-10-12T23:20:05","date_gmt":"2025-10-12T23:20:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/208870\/"},"modified":"2025-10-12T23:20:05","modified_gmt":"2025-10-12T23:20:05","slug":"how-every-remaining-trade-request-could-get-done-hypothetical-deal-for-22-players-charlie-curnow-zach-merrett-christian-petracca-analysis-latest-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/208870\/","title":{"rendered":"How every remaining trade request could get done, hypothetical deal for 22 players, Charlie Curnow, Zach Merrett, Christian Petracca, analysis, latest news"},"content":{"rendered":"

With just over 72 hours remaining in the 2025 trade period, it\u2019s no surprise there are still plenty of deals yet to be completed (FOLLOW OUR TRADE BLOG LIVE<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The future of this off-season\u2019s \u2018Big Three\u2019 \u2014 Charlie Curnow, Christian Petracca and Zach Merrett \u2014 remains undecided, with each superstar hopeful of finding a new home before 7:30pm AEDT on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

At the other end of the spectrum, Melbourne\u2019s Clayton Oliver and Fremantle\u2019s Will Brodie appear far more likely to be traded under straightforward circumstances.<\/p>\n

Watch every match of the 2025 NAB AFL Women\u2019s Season LIVE ad-break free during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n

For the sake of clarity and realism, the likes of Power superstar Zak Butters and Gold Coast young gun Bailey Humphrey haven\u2019t been included, given both clubs\u2019 continued stance that they aren\u2019t up for trade this off-season.<\/p>\n

Additionally, almost all hypothetical trades have been listed as two-club transactions, though it\u2019s more than possible several will ultimately involve three or more parties.<\/p>\n

With that being said, Foxfooty.com.au takes a look at how some of the most well-documented trade targets could land at a new home.<\/p>\n

CHARLIE CURNOW (Carlton)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Sydney, Geelong\ufeff<\/p>\n

Arguably the biggest player on the trade market this year. After also initially being linked to Gold Coast, the race for Curnow is down to two \u2014 Sydney and Geelong. Insiders understand Curnow\u2019s dream scenario would see him landing at the Cats, but that doesn\u2019t look possible at this stage after the Blues turned down their offer of three first-round picks. The Swans, however, look open to parting with an established player and significant draft capital if it means they can land Curnow. There\u2019s also a live chance Curnow stays put at Ikon Park, and we do this all again next year…<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Carlton gets Ollie Florent, Pick 11, 2026 first-round pick and 2026 third-round pick, Sydney gets Charlie Curnow, Pick 54 and 67.<\/p>\n

CHRISTIAN PETRACCA (Melbourne)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Gold Coast<\/p>\n

The way Gold Coast values draft picks under the current system is very different to the other 17 clubs, and it means Melbourne will be looking to squeeze every last bit of the Suns if they\u2019re to trade Christian Petracca. That being said, this negotiation shouldn\u2019t get too heated. The Demons will be targeting the Suns\u2019 picks 7 and 8, but will need to give something back alongside Petracca if that\u2019s to be on the table.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Melbourne gets Pick 7 and 15. Gold Coast get Christian Petracca, Pick 28 and 42.<\/p>\n

ZACH MERRETT (Essendon)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Hawthorn<\/p>\n

Similarly to Curnow, it\u2019s only a \u2018Godfather\u2019 offer that will see the Essendon captain in new colours for 2026. Keep that in mind with the hypothetical deal below \u2014 it\u2019s less about fairness, and more about what it would actually take. Fringe Hawk Henry Hustwaite was been linked with a move away from Waverley Park for quite some time, and while he hasn\u2019t been front-and-centre of negotiations this last week, could be enticing for Essendon if he\u2019s willing to be traded there. A swapping of second-round picks for 2026 also seems fair, if we assume both clubs\u2019 current trajectory.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Essendon gets Pick 9, 2026 first-round pick, Henry Hustwaite and a 2026 second-round pick. Hawthorn gets Zach Merrett and a 2026 second-round pick.<\/p>\n

Could the Hawks land Zach Merrett? | 03:06<\/p>\n

CLAYTON OLIVER (Melbourne)<\/p>\n

Linked to: GWS<\/p>\n

This one should be pretty smooth sailing for both Melbourne and GWS. The Giants won\u2019t be paying his full salary, while the Demons are clearly happy to part ways with any cash and his long-term contract. A future third-round pick could be what completes the uncommon trade, given GWS currently don\u2019t own a pick beyond 37 this draft.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Melbourne gets a 2026 third-round pick. GWS get Clayton Oliver.<\/p>\n

JY SIMPKIN (North Melbourne)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Collingwood<\/p>\n

North Melbourne\u2019s captain has expressed a desire to seek greater on-ball opportunity elsewhere in recent weeks, and the Magpies have been linked strongest to him. If Simpkin was to move to Collingwood, the Kangaroos would have to change their stance on requesting two first-rounders. Otherwise, there\u2019s no chance of a trade.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: North Melbourne gets a 2026 first and second-round pick. Collingwood get Jy Simpkin and Pick 46.<\/p>\n

JAMARRA UGLE-HAGAN (Western Bulldogs)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Gold Coast<\/p>\n

The former No.1 draft pick looks all but certain now to land at the Suns, after passing his medical at the club. His circumstances are unique on a trade front, and in this instance mean he will cost next to nothing for Damien Hardwick\u2019s club. That being said, any deal is likely to intertwined with Connor Budarick\u2019s request away from Carrara and into Whitten Oval. The Dogs and GWS completed a pick swap on Sunday evening involving pick 37, which could be critical to helping get this deal over the line.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Western Bulldogs get Connor Budarick and a 2026 fourth-round pick. Gold Coast gets Pick 37 and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.<\/p>\n

Swans closing in on Charlie Curnow? | 02:58<\/p>\n

JACK STEELE (St Kilda)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Adelaide<\/p>\n

St Kilda\u2019s fearless leader was given a somewhat perplexing message by his club of nine years, prompting him to \u201cconsider opportunities if presented to him\u201d. The Crows have been tagged as a club who could potentially acquire him, but their interest is still only seen as preliminary. It feels more and more likely he\u2019ll stay out at Moorabbin for 2026.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Hard to assign a potential trade option just yet, but given St Kilda\u2019s stance on his future, would a pair of early second-rounders do it?<\/p>\n

CALLUM AH CHEE (Brisbane)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Adelaide<\/p>\n

One of the more interesting negotiations of this trade period. What was thought to be a relatively simple transaction has now stalled, with the Lions asking Adelaide for one of Pick 16 or a 2026 first-rounder. The Crows believe their future second-round pick is worthy of a trade, but they may have to find another future second-rounder from somewhere to get Brisbane to budge. If not, Ah Chee could threaten to walk himself to the pre-season draft, but that seems highly unlikely.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Brisbane gets 2026 second-round pick and Pick 55. Adelaide get Callum Ah Chee.<\/p>\n

ROWAN MARSHALL (St Kilda)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Geelong\ufeff<\/p>\n

The Saints have played super hardball on their star ruck, and are adamant he\u2019s staying put at Moorabbin \u2014 despite the free agency signing of Tom De Koning. Geelong offered their pick 19 but it was swiftly denied, leaving them unsure of where to look next. That and a future second-rounder is probably well overs, but we also can\u2019t really see the Cats offering that much. Which means it\u2019s now just an out-and-out guess.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: St Kilda get Pick 19 and a 2026 second-round pick. Geelong gets Rowan Marshall and a 2026 third-round pick.<\/p>\n

Can Marshall & TDK co-exist at Saints | 04:21<\/p>\n

LEEK ALEER (GWS)<\/p>\n

Linked to: North Melbourne<\/p>\n

The Giants\u2019 young gun was brutalised by St Kilda last week when they formally retracted any interest in the key defender. It\u2019s now left Aleer scrambling for a new home, with North Melbourne emerging as the club with the most initial interest. At 24 years of age, Aleer has so much upside, but he\u2019s highly unlikely to find the same amount of money the Saints were offering elsewhere. GWS remains a fall-back option if rival clubs don\u2019t follow through once more.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: GWS gets pick 46 and a 2026 third-round pick. North Melbourne get Leek Aleer.<\/p>\n

CONNOR BUDARICK (Gold Coast)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Western Bulldogs<\/p>\n

The 24-year-old\u2019s future plans have been known for a little while now, and the impending exit of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan from the Bulldogs should actually make his arrival easier. A handy utility, Budarick\u2019s worth should roughly equate to a second-round pick in next year\u2019s draft. The Dogs and GWS completed a pick swap on Sunday evening involving pick 37, which could be critical to helping get this deal over the line.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Gold Coast gets Pick 37 and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. The Western Bulldogs get Connor Budarick and a 2026 fourth-round pick.<\/p>\n

BRAYDEN FIORINI (Gold Coast)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Essendon<\/p>\n

As an unrestricted free agent, the Suns ball magnet would be within his rights to join his preferred club in Essendon free of charge to them. However, the Bombers are keen to not dilute their compensation pick for Sam Draper and will thus try strike a trade with the Suns. Sounds a little complicated, but it will be mostly straightforward, you would imagine. That being said, they may need to part with Pick 30 if they can\u2019t get their hands on one slightly later in this year\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Gold Coast gets a late second-round pick from a third party. Essendon get Brayden Fiorini.<\/p>\n

What’s behind Saints’ Aleer backflip? | 02:39<\/p>\n

WILL BRODIE (Fremantle)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Port Adelaide<\/p>\n

Of all the trades in this list, Port Adelaide\u2019s acquisition of Will Brodie should be the easiest. The midfielder, currently at his second AFL club, hasn\u2019t played a senior game since Round 7 of 2023, despite being contracted to Cockburn until the end of next year. Regardless of his contract status though, Fremantle will be happy to deal in good faith with the Power to get a deal done.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Fremantle get a 2026 fourth-round pick. Port Adelaide get Will Brodie.<\/p>\n

TYLAR YOUNG (Richmond)<\/p>\n

Linked to: West Coast<\/p>\n

Now that the Eagles have tied up the bulk of their business, their offer for Tylar Young shouldn\u2019t be far off being completed. The 27-year-old key defender looks likely to be traded for one of West Coast\u2019s pick 38 or 41; the latter probably the fairest of the two.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Richmond get Pick 41. West Coast get Tylar Young.<\/p>\n

JACK BULLER (Sydney)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Collingwood<\/p>\n

This one\u2019s been on the Magpies\u2019 radar for quite some time, but more pressing interests have held up a potential deal. Buller, a mid-season draftee from 2023, played nine games this season and showed promise, but it won\u2019t cost Collingwood a whole lot. The Pies currently own picks 39, 59, 61 and 77 \u2014 with one of the middle two picks likely gets it done.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Sydney get Pick 59, Collingwood get Jack Buller.<\/p>\n

‘Biggest bargain of the last 10 years!’ | 02:17<\/p>\n

BUKU KHAMIS (Western Bulldogs)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Carlton<\/p>\n

In contract but on the fringes of the Western Bulldogs\u2019 starting 23, Buku Khamis is exploring his options elsewhere once more. There haven\u2019t been many updates on the status of this trade since Day 1 of the period, but one could still yet be struck before the deadline. The Dogs don\u2019t have a huge amount of leverage given he only played 14 of their 23 matches this year, but Carlton\u2019s current draft hand doesn\u2019t quite fit the range he would likely fall in. A third club may have to get involved for Khamis to move to Ikon Park this off-season, if it isn\u2019t a future second-round pick. But if that\u2019s not possible, could another club make an 11th-hour pitch for the wantaway Dog?<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Western Bulldogs get a 2026 second-round pick from a third party. Carlton get Buku Khamis.<\/p>\n

JAI SERONG (Hawthorn)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Sydney<\/p>\n

The out-of-contract Hawk should move north with relative ease, although it is somewhat surprising it hasn\u2019t already eventuated. The obvious answer as to why is because both clubs are tied up trying to get Zach Merrett and Charlie Curnow, but some may have suspected the clubs would get this done first? The hybrid defender played just 10 AFL games in four seasons at Waverley Park, and deserves greater opportunity elsewhere. Don\u2019t expect the Hawks to play too hardball here.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Hawthorn get Pick 62. Sydney get Jai Serong.<\/p>\n

STEVEN MAY (Melbourne)<\/p>\n

Linked to: N\/A<\/p>\n

The two-time All-Australian Demon has been told by his club of seven years to seek a move elsewhere, but with three days left in the trade period, no genuine suitor has emerged yet. Melbourne will open their arms to him should he not gain genuine interest elsewhere, but if he was to move, it wouldn\u2019t cost a rival the world. <\/p>\n

Potential trade: No club to link him to yet, but a late second-rounder seems fair given Melbourne\u2019s stance.<\/p>\n

Latest AFL draft whispers | 06:59<\/p>\n

ELIJAH HOLLANDS (Carlton)<\/p>\n

Linked to: N\/A<\/p>\n

The in-contract Blue has known for a while now that he\u2019s expected to look for a new home this off-season. Still though, no strong links have appeared. That\u2019s not to say clubs aren\u2019t taking a serious look at him, because they are, but a fair bit will need to play out before a hypothetical trade can be outlined. Are Adelaide and Port Adelaide two clubs who would take a look? <\/p>\n

Potential trade: Too early to tell with no strong links, but a third-round pick or 2026 third could do the trick.<\/p>\n

OLLIE FLORENT\/JAMES ROWBOTTOM\/WILL HAYWARD (Sydney)<\/p>\n

Linked to: Carlton, Collingwood<\/p>\n

Aaaaand this doozy to round out the list. It\u2019s critical to stress that none of these three Swans have requested a trade. Both Rowbottom and Hayward have been externally linked to a move solely if it would enable Sydney to get their hands on Charlie Curnow this season. Florent, however, is in a slightly different boat, having reportedly been told to explore a move<\/a> on Saturday evening by the Swans. Collingwood coach Craig McRae did reach out to Rowbottom on Friday night, while both Florent and Hayward have previously been linked to Carlton before signing lengthy deals at Sydney. That being said, it\u2019s nigh on impossible to know what a deal could look like involving any of the trio \u2014 it\u2019s as hypothetical as they come right now.<\/p>\n

Potential trade: Tied up in any deal which would enable Sydney to trade in Charlie Curnow, potentially involving a third club.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"With just over 72 hours remaining in the 2025 trade period, it\u2019s no surprise there are still plenty…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":208871,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[43,44,85,41,39,42,40],"class_list":["post-208870","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-headlines","tag-headlines","tag-news","tag-sports","tag-top-news","tag-top-stories","tag-topnews","tag-topstories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208870","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=208870"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208870\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/208871"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=208870"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=208870"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=208870"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}