Isaac Heeney wins third consecutive Bob Skilton Medal
Isaac Heeney has won his third consecutive Bob Skilton Medal as Sydney's club champion in absentia on Thursday night. He was among five players who did not attend the event following a club-imposed suspension for breaching behavioural standards after round 23. Heeney polled 431 votes to finish ahead of Brodie Grundy on 400 and Charlie Curnow on 398.
Sexual assault charges against four Sydney players may be difficult to prosecute
Sexual assault charges against four Sydney Swans players investigated over the Pullman Hotel incident may be difficult to prosecute, according to Code Sports. Victoria Police have not charged Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey or James Jordon, with a brief of evidence expected in late October. Riley Bice was previously cleared of wrongdoing and is being treated as a witness.
Zach Merrett claims seventh Crichton Medal at Essendon
Zach Merrett has won his seventh Crichton Medal as Essendon's best and fairest player, equalling club legends Dick Reynolds and Bill Hutchison. Merrett polled 117 votes on Thursday night to finish ahead of runner-up Sam Durham on 106 and Archie Roberts on 77. The former captain also secured his fourth consecutive McCracken Medal, voted by his peers.
Collingwood expects Jordan De Goey and Dan Houston to stay
Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch expects Dan Houston and Jordan De Goey to remain with the Magpies next season. Leppitsch said no rival clubs had enquired about Houston, while the club has held mature discussions with De Goey's management regarding his future. Collingwood also expects to land Lachie Neale early in free agency and confirm a deal for Jesse Hogan.
Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps criticises AFL trade and draft changes
Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps has criticised the AFL for changes to trade and draft rules, describing them as brutal and unprecedented challenges. Speaking on AFL Trade Radio on Thursday, Cripps expressed frustration over changes to father-son bidding processes and a memo that blocked a proposed deal, saying the rules have complicated the club's list rebuild ahead of Tasmania's entry.
Calsher Dear signs two-year contract extension with Hawthorn
Calsher Dear has signed a two-year contract extension with Hawthorn, turning down rival interest from Melbourne, Geelong and Collingwood. The 21-year-old forward had been heavily courted by Melbourne on a reported four-year deal, with Demons captain Max Gawn meeting with him to lure him across. Dear has played 31 games for the Hawks since being drafted in 2023.
Bailey Smith wins Geelong's 2026 Carji Greeves Medal
Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith has won his first Carji Greeves Medal as the club's best and fairest on Thursday night. Smith polled 178 votes to finish ahead of runner-up Max Holmes on 151 and third-placed Shaun Mannagh on 131. Connor O'Sullivan and Ollie Dempsey rounded out the top five.
Chris Fagan retires as Brisbane coach after third consecutive flag
Triple-premiership coach Chris Fagan has retired as coach of Brisbane, informing players and staff of his decision on Thursday afternoon. The 65-year-old departs with one year remaining on his contract, just days after leading the Lions to a third straight flag against Fremantle. Fagan coached Brisbane in 243 games for 148 wins after taking charge ahead of the 2017 season.
Essendon reject Hawthorn's opening trade offer for Zach Merrett
Essendon have rejected an opening trade offer from Hawthorn for former captain Zach Merrett, according to The Age. The Hawks reportedly offered picks 15 and 25 alongside a future second- or third-round selection for the midfielder. Merrett is contracted until the end of 2027 but remains keen to move after a proposed trade fell through last year.
Geelong's trade reluctance helped Western Bulldogs in Zak Butters pursuit
Geelong's reluctance to outline a trade package with Port Adelaide reportedly paved the way for Zak Butters to choose the Western Bulldogs. The Bulldogs offered the restricted free agent a nine-year deal worth up to $18 million, while Geelong wanted Butters to nominate them first. The Dogs are expected to delay lodging their free agency paperwork beyond Friday while clubs work through trade discussions.