North Melbourne offer Nick Blakey eight-year deal
North Melbourne have offered Sydney defender Nick Blakey an eight-year deal worth $12 million, according to The Age. Blakey met with the Kangaroos, Gold Coast and Geelong on Thursday as he weighs his future. The All-Australian has five years remaining on his contract with the Swans.
Essendon trade Zach Merrett to Hawthorn
Essendon have traded former captain Zach Merrett to Hawthorn in exchange for picks 15, 25 and a 2028 second-round selection on the opening day of the trade period. The 31-year-old midfielder departs the Bombers after 274 games across 13 seasons, having won an equal-record seven club best and fairest awards.
Brisbane forward Will McLachlan requests trade to Melbourne
Brisbane has confirmed forward Will McLachlan has requested a trade to Melbourne. The Lions said they will work towards facilitating an outcome that best reflects the 21-year-old's value. Selected with pick six in the 2024 mid-season rookie draft, McLachlan has played seven AFL games across the past two seasons.
Rowan Marshall traded to Geelong from St Kilda
Rowan Marshall has been traded from St Kilda to Geelong. The Cats sent pick 14 to the Saints in exchange for the 30-year-old ruckman and a 2028 third-round draft selection. Marshall departs St Kilda after playing 177 games across 10 seasons.
Hawthorn lodge paperwork for Gold Coast free agent Ben King
Hawthorn have officially lodged paperwork to sign Gold Coast restricted free agent Ben King. The Suns now have three days to decide whether to match the contract offer to force a trade or accept a draft compensation pick, expected to be pick seven. King is Gold Coast's all-time leading goalkicker with 315 goals.
Jordan Ridley joins Geelong as Jack Bowes moves to Essendon
Geelong has acquired Essendon defender Jordan Ridley, pick 60 and a 2028 fourth-round selection in exchange for Jack Bowes, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick. The 27-year-old Ridley joins the Cats after being limited to 26 games over the past three seasons. Bowes departs Geelong after 69 games to join his third AFL club.
Sydney ruck Ally Morphett ruled out for season with ACL injury
Sydney ruck Ally Morphett will miss the remainder of the AFLW season after scans confirmed an ACL injury sustained on the weekend. The star Swan will consult a specialist this week to determine her management plan.
Gold Coast targets contracted Hawthorn midfielder Sam Butler
Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick is set to meet with contracted Hawthorn midfielder Sam Butler before the trade deadline, according to AFL Media. The 23-year-old is contracted until 2027 after managing 33 matches in six seasons with the Hawks. Hardwick previously coached Butler's older brother Dan to a premiership at Richmond.
Melbourne make opening trade offer for Zane Duursma
Melbourne have made an opening trade offer to North Melbourne for forward Zane Duursma, according to AFL Media. The Demons have offered the choice of pick 47, a 2027 second-round pick or a 2028 second-round pick for the out-of-contract 21-year-old. Duursma has requested a trade to Melbourne after three seasons at Arden Street.
Stephen Coniglio signs one-year contract extension with GWS
GWS veteran Stephen Coniglio has signed a one-year contract extension, tying him to the club until the end of the 2027 season. The 32-year-old is the last remaining player from the Giants' inaugural 2012 campaign and has played 248 games for the club.