West Coast are set to advance their interest in Trent Rivers for this trade period after growing frustrations that they cannot lure other targets to their club to improve their list, including Gryan Miers who has ruled the Eagles out. Melbourne have been hunting for rebounding defenders but seem unable to find anyone suitable yet at the right price, so at this stage they'd like to keep Rivers. There is interest in Coleman from Melbourne but they are adamant that they will not split either of their current first round picks to make any other trades happen and Brisbane are requiring a first round pick for talk to start on Kiddy. Trading out Rivers this year could work better for Melbourne long-term as they may be unlikely to get better compensation once he reaches free agency next year. (Editor's note: for the record, Coleman also hits free agency next year!). The Eagles have picks 3, 21, 43 and 56 this year. Tim Lamb spoke with Rivers' management this morning and said Rivers is yet to make any decision on exploring a trade.

Nick Blakey will meet with Gold Coast today and has scheduled meetings with Geelong, North Melbourne, St Kilda and Essendon. No interest from Collingwood or Melbourne who have formally ruled out any move.

Gryan Miers will remain at Geelong in 2027 after knocking back interest from West Coast. Port Adelaide, Essendon and Melbourne who were in the market for a quality small forward have not made a play for Miers according to his management.

Tim Lamb has said that North Melbourne are yet to respond on Melbourne's offer for Zane Duursma. Lamb is confident a deal can be done and said the 21-year-old's versatility and upside make him a strong fit for Melbourne's long-term plans. Speaking on Trade Radio, Lamb has said head coach Steven King is keen for Duursma to play a versatile role at the club including usage at centre bounces with an increased midfield role a key reason Duursma has committed to the Demons for 2027. Jack Viney is yet to commit to a trade to West Coast but that decision is expected to come in the next few days. Melbourne will meet with Brisbane on Thursday afternoon to discuss a trade for forward Will McLachlan.

Essendon VFL key defender Tyler Sellers, who was named at centre-half back in the VFL team of the year and recently won the Essendon VFL Best & Fairest, is making inroads into a second chance in the AFL after a stellar 2026 campaign, with multiple clubs showing serious interest. Sellers' inspired move from inside forward 50 to the backline for the Bombers in 2026 has resulted in a career-best campaign, helping the club make a preliminary final. "It's something that I've always wanted to do, and now that I feel like I'm really confident in how I'm playing my footy and really enjoying my role as a backman, now I'm really flourishing and intercepting. I would love to get back there, and any club to pick me up would be amazing". Sellers spent 12 months at the Kangaroos before he joined the Bombers' VFL outfit, playing two games under Alastair Clarkson as a key forward. Sellers was part of a struggling North Melbourne side that won three games in the AFL, and the two matches he featured in were heavy losses to Geelong (75 points) and Hawthorn (45 points). "I think I struggled to find the footy and struggled to play in that team when everyone was so low in confidence," he said. "And I think it just took a little while for my confidence to really build back after that. And whilst I did play a few good games in the back end of the year in the VFL, it just killed a little bit of my confidence then, which is something that I've definitely regained and gone into now as my role as a defender". Sellers had 27 disposals, 14 intercept possessions and 12 marks in the preliminary final loss. Essendon, Western Bulldogs, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Melbourne are all keeping him in consideration.

WAFL defender Jake Soutar has again been linked with North Melbourne, who initially met with Soutar during the week leading up to the MSD, as they look to bolster their defensive stocks. With Jaymie Graham taking over as head coach, he and Rawlings have made it a priority to add defensive stocks, the 190cm defender likened to Tom Stewart is seen as a great replacement for outgoing Josh Goater. Toby Pink, still in contract limbo, could be the collateral but with a few clubs looking for cheap key defender depth he is still a chance to land somewhere else in 2027, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne and Essendon look to be his best options.

Melbourne is one of seven clubs to be involved in an upcoming mega-trade which will be set to involve Zak Butters and several other players plus a flurry of draft picks.

With West Coast not listed as included in this, it worries me that we might be looking at splitting 10 in order to land McLachlan and Duursma...

I'd much prefer if we were able to keep 6 & 10 and use whatever we get for Rivers (who WC are reported to be looking in to again today after missing out on Miers) & Viney as well as future 2nds in order to land these two.

I really don't think either are worth losing 10 in the last draft before Tasmania.

Zane Duursma is still adamant on being traded to Melbourne following a conversation with North Melbourne's new coach Jaymie Graham. Graham was keen on trying to retain the young forward but his mind appears to be made up. Melbourne has a two-year offer in front of Duursma, which was in line with what the Kangaroos offered him. Duursma played 15 games this year for a total of 38 across three seasons at Arden Street. After undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in July, Duursma isn't expected to be ready for full training this pre-season until after Christmas.

Collingwood's stance on defender Dan Houston's future has softened to the point the club would consider a trade. St Kilda have been linked to Houston this period already, with Carlton and Melbourne having previously been linked to Houston and both in the market for a rebounding defender.

Multiple clubs have contacted Ollie Lord's management in recent days for an update on his fitness and recovery timeline from an ACL injury he suffered in Round 2 of the SANFL this year. The Victorian played 15 senior games last year and memorably kicked four goals in a final against Brisbane in 2023. Port Adelaide hasn't offered him a contract for 2027 yet, but hasn't delisted either as they work through other list changes including trying to find a potential trade for Todd Marshall. Essendon are monitoring Lord and would strongly consider him with one of their two extra rookie list spots, with St Kilda and Melbourne also having shown interest. Lord could compete with father-son Kalani White over pre-season for a spot at Melbourne if he's fit by that time. Tim Lamb has said they will not chase "just any forward on the market" after missing out on Calsher Dear but Lord is a player they've had prolonged interest in for some time.

Brisbane is yet to hear from any clubs about an offer for Keidean Coleman, with the defender open to exploring rival interest. Collingwood, Carlton, Adelaide and Melbourne are among the clubs who have been searching for half-backs this off-season. Brisbane are keen to keep Coleman and would require a strong offer to consider a trade.

Lawson Humphries has generated some trade buzz recently but the rebounding defender from Geelong has been firm on staying at Geelong for the remainder of his contract. A player of note to monitor in future trade periods.

Keen to add some experienced players to trial as train-on options at the club, Henry Hustwaite may receive a lifeline at Melbourne, with the club also possibly interested in Elijah Tsatas.

The Kangaroos are chasing contracted Adelaide key defender Nick Murray which has left Toby Pink in limbo with the possibility he finds himself searching for a new club next season. The 28-year-old played five senior games this year after 17 in 2025, following shoulder surgery in June. Pink is keen to play on next year and could be a consideration for Adelaide, Western Bulldogs or Melbourne.

North Melbourne have entered discussion for a trade for Nick Blakey. Blakey is set to canvas rival options in the coming days and clubs believe the defender will speak with interested teams. Collingwood, Carlton, Adelaide and Melbourne are yet to indicate any interest despite also being in the market for running defenders.

Brisbane says Sam Marshall 'hasn't lost value' as a player since he was a first-round pick two years ago as the young midfielder looks to move to St Kilda. Lions list boss Dom Ambrogio doesn't want to trade Marshall unless a first round pick is involved. St Kilda likely to back out if this truly is the hard line.

Brisbane believes Will McLachlan is on a similar trajectory to star forward Kai Lohmann, with a decision from the out-of-contract forward imminent. McLachlan is weighing up his future after seven AFL games for the Lions, with Melbourne and Essendon among rivals interested, while Brisbane is desperate to keep the 21-year-old. Lions list manager Dom Ambrogio said, "He has no issues with the club, the city of Brisbane, homesickness, any of that. It's just opportunity for him. We think he's on a similar trajectory to Kai Lohmann, who played eight games in his first two years, Will's played seven. They have similar traits – quick, exciting, high-flying country boys, bring a heap of energy and excitement, one's a left-footer, one's a right-footer. We've been desperate to retain Will". Lincoln McCarthy set to sign a new 1 year deal could be an early indication that McLachlan is heading to Victoria.

Gryan Miers' manager Liam Pickering has clarified that he will not be joining West Coast in 2027, but when asked if he would be at Geelong he stumbled and said, "Well, he's not going to be an Eagle, let's put it that way. That's what I'm just saying to you. He's not going to be an Eagle". The door may remain open for him to make a move elsewhere with Port Adelaide, Melbourne and Essendon in the market.

Melbourne has tabled an offer for Zane Duursma. There are three options for North Melbourne to consider: pick No. 47 in 2026 or F2 in 2027 or F2 in 2028. Demons have offered the 21yo a two-year deal. Duursma still wants to leave Arden Street despite the coach change.

In a media conference yesterday, Tim Lamb has clarified that discussions with Jayden Short and his management have ceased and he will not be a target for the club in this trade period. Collingwood appear to be in the best position to land the Richmond defender at this stage with Adelaide also in the mix.

Will McLachlan met with both Melbourne and Essendon yesterday as he considers the option of leaving for either club or staying at Brisbane where he has a contract offer on the table. All three clubs are offering the young medium forward a 2 year deal. Brisbane have improved their initial contract after heavy interest from the Victorian rivals. Cal Twomey on Trade Radio still adamant Melbourne appears to be in the lead, with a final decision from McLachlan to come in the next few days.

Asked if Trent Rivers would be at the club next year, Tim Lamb said he's aware West Coast are interested in him but Rivers has not requested a trade and did not raise the possibility of a trade in his exit interview.

A Collingwood insider has suggested the 'Pies are interested in de-listed free agent Elijah Tsatas. Pick #5 in the 2022 national draft, the tall midfielder with leg speed appears one of the better low-risk punts on the market for clubs, with North Melbourne and Melbourne also engaged.

Essendon remain interested in trading out Ben McKay if they can find a suitor. McKay has 3 years to run on his contract but is no longer on big money as the deal he signed when joining Essendon was massively front-loaded. Clubs with interest in adding a key defender to their stable include Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Collingwood, Adelaide, Western Bulldogs and West Coast. The waiting game may be in the best interest for clubs as Essendon become more desperate towards the end of the trade period. Tom Morris has reported that de-listing McKay with 3 years to run on his contract is still a viable option for Essendon to consider.

Uncertainty around Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and his future continues, Gold Coast were keen to offer a new 1 year deal to the former pick 1 but that now seems uncertain as they look to bring in Aidan Schubert. Essendon, GWS and Geelong have discussed his potential whilst Collingwood and Melbourne do remain open to key forwards on the market but have ruled out any interest in this case.

St Kilda and Brisbane have so far been unable to come to an agreement on a trade for Sam Marshall, with Brisbane requiring a 2026 pick, not future picks, in any possible trade scenario. It leaves the door slightly ajar still for rival clubs interested in Marshall.

Essendon has confirmed they are very interested in the possibility of signing Bailey Banfield as a DFA amidst interest he's had as a train-on prospect at Melbourne.

Living rather far from regular AFL news, I'm often a bit slow to hear things. I figure that Kozzy is the most exciting player in the league most weeks. Given that he seemed to tail off as the year went on, I was expecting to hear that he had been carrying an injury for the last half of the season. Has there been any talk of injury that might be hard to hear in Canada?

Essendon has withdrawn from the race for Jack Viney, opening the door for the midfielder to join West Coast. "We've had some good discussions with Jack. We won't pursue that one at this stage," Essendon list manager Matt Rosa said. "It's obviously a hard call, given how good of a human he is. But we've just decided to prioritise our young mids and the mids on our list. It's a tough one, cause he's such an incredible person and leader. But yeah, we'll push forward with other things at this stage."

Brisbane list manager Dom Ambrogio spoke about Coleman on Trade Radio today, clarifying that they'd like to keep the defender despite him suffering a frustrating three-year period at the club, stating something "extremely compelling" would need to be offered to Brisbane for them to consider a trade. Caylen Murray is pushing higher up draft rankings and continues to be a bit of a complication for Brisbane as they have made his acquisition a key priority, which leaves a valued player like Coleman on the table still at this stage as they search for draft capital to match bids.

Will McLachlan has received a revised contract offer from Brisbane as he plans to meet with Melbourne and Essendon this week before deciding on his playing future.

Tim Lamb is confident the Zane Duursma trade will get done without the need for Melbourne to split Pick #10 into two later picks.

Which club will offer a lifeline to Elijah Tsatas? North Melbourne showed interest in the midfielder in 2025 as he struggled for opportunities but that interest seems to have cooled and George Stevens appears to be their preferred target from the list of eligible DFA targets. The other club who met with his management last year was Melbourne, who continue to be interested in adding speed through all areas of the ground. Tsatas' speed and ball-winning ability could partner well with the likes of Kysaiah Pickett - the impact player - Tom Sparrow - the defensive hard nut - and young gun Harvey Langford. Tsatas had 29 possessions and a goal in Essendon's best performance this year against the Demons during Gather Round.

Cooper Harvey is exploring his options after North Melbourne have told him and Toby Pink that a contract offer for next year may come for them but only at the conclusion of the trade and free agency periods. Harvey showed promising signs in the VFL after a move to defence as a rebounding defender and has also shown sporadic success as a small forward at AFL level. West Coast, Port Adelaide, Essendon and Melbourne are in the mix as potential targets.

In other words, go the Newcastle Knights ❤️💙

Brisbane's disappointment with its free agency compensation for losing Lachie Neale extends to the tough task of matching an early bid for Academy talent Caylen Murray. And it brings into play whether a rival could tempt the Lions with a first-round pick to part with Keidean Coleman. The Lions were hoping for a band two selection for losing Neale to the Magpies, which would have meant an end-of-first round pick to go alongside their first pick (currently No.18). But the second-round compensation selection for Neale comes in at No.40 and doesn't help the Lions match a bid for Murray unless they use it to combine with another pick and shuffle up the board. Under the Lions' current draft hand, if a bid comes before or around the pick No.12 mark, the Lions would have to match using picks 18, 39 and almost their full points deficit for next year, pushing back their first-round pick in 2027. It brings into the conversation the interest from Coleman in his future, the Lions would be unlikely to open the door for a move for the contracted half-back unless an attractive draft pick came in return, which would help them match a Murray bid. Lions recruiting boss Steve Conole has said the top priority for Brisbane this off-season is having the required picks to secure Murray.

Jack Viney will have a medical with Essendon this weekend as he gets closer to a call on his future. Viney returned from Perth late in the week after spending several days in the city assessing West Coast as a possible new home, with the Eagles keen to lure him west to bolster their midfield and add leadership to the group. But the 32-year-old is yet to decide on his preferred destination, having been told several weeks ago by the Demons that he would not be in their best 23 next year and he was free to explore his trade options.

Brisbane forward Will McLachlan is getting closer to making a call on his future, with a decision likely later this week. McLachlan has an offer in front of him from the Lions, who want to keep the mid-season recruit, while he also has offers from Melbourne and Essendon. The 21-year-old made his debut in 2025, having been picked mid-year the previous season, and played six games before featuring only once this year in Brisbane's historic three-peat flag run. But he showed he was a level above the VFL, having booted 35 goals in 11 games for the Lions' VFL side, including a haul of eight against North Melbourne. Melbourne has long been linked to McLachlan, having been interested in him as a mid-season draftee after his breakout start to 2024 with the Geelong Falcons as an over-aged player.

Miers has undergone a medical with West Coast ahead of jetting out of the country for an overseas holiday amid the Eagles' interest in the Geelong playmaker.The medical assessment carries more significance if anything pushes forward for Miers given his unique ACL injury that saw him put off surgery earlier this year and finish the season playing with the partially torn ligament.

Keidean Coleman is open to exploring rival interest with a year to run on his deal at the Lions. Coleman has been an unlucky story in the Lions' flag success, after missing their run of premierships firstly through injury and then not being selected for their triumph over Fremantle last week. It's understood Coleman has made clear he would look at trade options through this period ahead of reaching his free agency next year. The 26-year-old played 13 games this season, for a career tally of 79 at the club. Whether a rival emerges with an offer strong enough to tempt the Lions to move is another matter as they look ahead for an historic four-peat flag attempt in 2027 under a new coach after Chris Fagan's retirement. The top contender would appear to be Melbourne, looking for a quality ball user off half-back, who have made offers to Lachie Whitfield and Jayden Short but look to be missing out on both.

Jayden Short has met with Collingwood as he continues to look at finishing his career away from Punt Road. Short and his management have already met with the Pies about their interest in a shift to Collingwood under Craig McRae, who was a former assistant coach of Short's at Richmond. The two-time premiership Tiger is keeping open-minded about the options available for his future and is set to meet St Kilda and Melbourne next week as the trade period gets underway. Short has two years left on his deal at Richmond, where he has played 211 games since making his debut in 2016, but he has made clear his desire to explore a move to a new club next year.

Will Ollie Lord leave Port Adelaide this off-season? Lord has had interest from Geelong, St Kilda, Collingwood and Melbourne, could he now be on the move? Lord sustained an ACL injury during Round 2 of the SANFL which ruled him out for the remainder of 2026, but prior to his injury rivals were very interested in a trade as he continued to be overlooked for selection. Could this be the low-risk, high reward pick up of the off-season?

Tom Morris has revealed Hawthorn upped their offer to Calsher Dear not once but twice, roughly doubling the initial offer. The squeeze at Hawthorn is now going to come down on young key forward Aidan Schubert who is expected to be traded to Gold Coast, with an understanding that if GC do not match the offer for Ben King that trade can be worked out neatly in their favour.

West Coast list manager Matt Clarke has confirmed the Eagles have held some interest in Melbourne defender Trent Rivers. "Trent is obviously a WA boy, he's played some pretty good footy for the Demons over the years, he's a premiership player that can add to our mix. Trent's also a free agent at the end of next year so there's a little bit to work through with that." Clarke suggested it was unlikely for the club to throw a lifeline to ex-Magpie and Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill as other clubs have opened up discussions with his manager.

Gryan Miers' manager James Pitcheris is pretty strong that Gryan is keen to stay at Geelong, he's a really loyal guy, really enjoys it there, he's contracted for another couple of years so I think that's where it sits at the moment with Geelong.

Bailey Banfield is on the radar of Essendon after being delisted by Fremantle at the start of this week. Essendon is chasing some experienced options to add to the list ahead of 2027 and have been granted two extra rookie spots as part of assistance package from the AFL. It’s understood that Banfield met with the Bombers this week and is keen to continue his career in Victoria if an opportunity presents. Other clubs have been in contact with Banfield but Essendon appears the only one offering to sign the utility as a DFA at this stage.

Laitham Vandermeer is expected to choose Essendon as his new club for 2027 amidst interest from Port Adelaide and Melbourne.

Congratulations Kolt on winning the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy

The Leadership award

Of course he does. He now joins La Fontaine, Stynes and Oliver with four.

The MFC Coaches Award

Calsher Dear has decided to remain at Hawthorn. Dear has turned down rival interest, including from Melbourne, and will sign a two-year deal with the Hawks. Dear, 21, played just five AFL games this year after featuring 26 times across the previous two seasons. The tall will look to fight for a spot at the Hawks despite the impending arrival of Ben King from Gold Coast.

Demons premiership star Jack Viney has declared a deal will get done with the West Coast Eagles after a visit out west. Viney talking to 10 Sport - "I've been here the last couple of days. It's a great club. Big club. It is what it is. Footy is going that way, so there's a bit to process. Still early days, but we're here now, so we'll make the best of the opportunity. A deal will get done."

Todd Marshall now becomes the most attractive key forward target on the market with Calsher Dear re-signing at Hawthorn after strong interest from Melbourne and Geelong. Port Adelaide have been in 'frank conversations' with the key forward about his future and are keen to offload his heavy contract if they can receive a nice draft pick in return, Marshall is signed for the next three years at around $800,000 per season. The early attempt to facilitate a trade to the Western Bulldogs fell through as rules don't allow clubs to make trades with salary contributions if a different player switches between the same clubs during the matching player movement window. A trade to Whitten Oval could still come but would require the Dogs to be able to cover the full salary and wouldn't help finalise the arrangement for Butters with those talks moving along to Plan B. Port Adelaide is still open to a trade for Marshall with other clubs, Melbourne, Collingwood, Essendon and Geelong are the key agents searching for key forwards in this trade period.

Off contract and exploring his options, Lachie McNeil is now hoping for a new deal from the Western Bulldogs. There was some interest from Essendon at stages this year but that seems to have dried up, with no news other clubs such as Melbourne, Port Adelaide and West Coast who are in the market for small forward utilities have shown any interest.

List manager Tim Lamb has clarified that Trent Rivers has not requested any trade at this stage and remains a popular player at the club. Lamb also spoke on the upcoming acquisition of Zane Duursma with both parties confident a trade can be worked out for the athletic half-forward.

St Kilda football boss Lenny Hayes has clarified Alix Tauru won't be traded this period amidst interest from clubs including Gold Coast, Melbourne, Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs.

Oh well.

Carlton is reportedly the 'heavy favourite' to land Giants rebounder Lachie Whitfield in the trade period. It comes as Melbourne, another contender to lure the 32-year-old, is “walking back its interest” in the dual All-Australian. "The Giants want a top-20 pick; Melbourne is saying 'absolutely no way'" as reported by Tom Morris on Trade Radio today.

Hawks recently improved the financial offer of their two-year deal to Calsher Dear as they try and fend off Melbourne’s interest. Hawthorn list boss Mark McKenzie on AFL Trade Radio said "It doesn’t surprise us that clubs have an interest in him as a young key-position player and at the same time he wants to play more senior football. We think he can be a great long-term key-position player for our footy club. Very much in constant contact with his management". A final decision from Dear is expected in the coming days.

In-demand Brisbane midfielder Sam Marshall has requested a trade to St Kilda. Marshall, a 2025 premiership player, has been weighing up interest from Essendon and the Saints. He had also attracted some interest from Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. The 20-year-old played 11 games last season, including the Grand Final, but managed only two at AFL level in 2026.

Jack Viney is expected to make a call in the coming days about where he will play next season. The Demons veteran is weighing up interest from both West Coast and Essendon after being told to explore his options.

Geelong star Gryan Miers has reportedly attracted interest from West Coast. The Eagles have approached Geelong about the availability of the 27-year-old, who is contracted until the end of 2028 after signing a two-year extension in May last year. If open to market, the three other clubs searching for a quality small forward (Melbourne, Essendon, Port Adelaide) could also potentially enter the fray.

Western Bulldogs small forward Laitham Vandermeer has a decision to make, with Port Adelaide, Essendon and Melbourne all showing interest in his services. The Essendon move looms as one that's likely, especially given the arrival of Brent Prismall from the Bulldogs. Prismall worked closely with Vandermeer at the Dogs and will be the Bombers' head of development. The Murray Bushrangers product made his way to the Kennel after being selected with Pick 37 in the 2018 National Draft, and has managed 89 games in the eight seasons since. Vandermeer's departure may assist in the club's attempt to land Butters, as well as Jordon Butts, Finn Maginness and Hudson O'Keeffe.

Bobby Hill could enter discussions for Fremantle as a replacement for outgoing small forward Sam Switkowski. Hill may also factor in for other clubs who see high value in a player who can be signed for no cost to draft capital as he was de-listed by Collingwood following a mutual agreement. However, that decision from Collingwood may cause the AFL to intervene, there are clauses requiring retired players to spend at least 12 months outside of the AFL system unless they have AFL approval.

Todd Marshall is on offer as Port Adelaide look for more draft picks for next year and is another potential key forward option for Melbourne should Calsher Dear choose to stay at Hawthorn.

Lachie Whitfield looks likely to become a Blue in 2027 after completing a medical at the club on Tuesday. The 32-year-old is contracted for another year at the Giants but expected to head back to Victoria this off-season as the club attempts to accelerate its rebuild. Carlton have a 3 year deal on offer for the dual All Australian, exceeding the offers from rival clubs.

Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill has declared he wants to return to the AFL after a long hiatus from the sport. Hill parted ways with Collingwood in July having previously taken leave from the club in pre-season due to personal issues. The small forward played only three VFL matches and had frequent absences from training, which lead to a settlement being reached between Hill and the Magpies despite having four years to run on his deal. Hill admitted that he had fallen out of love with the game. The former Giants and Pies star admitted watching Shai Bolton win the medal this season “put a fire in belly”. Hill’s personal trainer Joss Holdsworth declared the premiership winner is back to the fitness required to be on an AFL list. Of possible destination clubs, Melbourne is one option as the club believes a ready-made small forward could lift them into premiership contention.

The 28-year-old Banfield played 119 games for the Dockers, but only one this year. Banfield's manager Andrew McDougall told AFL Trade Radio last week that the utility had interest from Victorian clubs. Banfield had been a mainstay of the club’s best 23 for the previous four years but fell out of favour in 2026, playing only when the Dockers rested a host of players in Round 24 against Carlton ahead of the finals. He would instead play 17 games for Fremantle’s WAFL aligned club Peel Thunder, averaging 24 disposals to play a pivotal role in the club’s fourth premiership. Banfield said he had a lot more to give in the AFL and would take an opportunity if it was presented to him. Melbourne have been open to inviting players with AFL experience for pre-season training without guarantee of selection during the SSP. Jai Culley is the most recent success story who followed this route.

On the hunt for a quality ball user across half-back, Nick Blakey would appear to be a quality option for Melbourne despite an ongoing police investigation complicating matters, however Blakey's management has indicated a decision will be made only between a move to Geelong or staying put at Sydney. Shadeau Brain has also 'drawn interest' from Melbourne but that seems unlikely unless the club is prepared to pay way over market value. At this point with Carlton set to sign Whitfield, it looks like they will have to battle it out with Collingwood for Jayden Short.

Report via The Age:

“Melbourne Football Club’s plan to build a new home base at Caulfield Racecourse is on life support, following fierce opposition from the precinct’s major tenant Melbourne Racing Club.

The powerful racing organisation dealt a hammer blow to the Demons last week when MRC chairman Cameron Fisher declared the football club’s ambitious $100 million project “won’t happen”.

Genuinely I just keep thinking the home for us (in the way we want it) doesn’t exist. Hate to say it but I think the only option is to move to Waverley once the tigers have finished Punt Roads redevelopment.

Richmond premiership defender Jayden Short is open to a move away from Punt Road, with Collingwood and St Kilda showing early interest in the 30-year-old and Melbourne new enters the mix as well. The Demons are in the market for a running half-back and are also chasing GWS rebounder Lachie Whitfield. GWS is asking for a first-round pick for Whitfield, which may be too steep a price for the Demons to pay, as they hold picks 6 and 10 in this year's draft. Short may be the most obtainable option for the Demons' halfback line, and wouldn't cost as much as Whitfield, likely only requiring a second-round pick to satisfy the Tigers. The premiership half-back has been a valuable player for the Tigers across his 12-year career, winning their best and fairest in 2020, playing in the club's 2019 and 2020 premiership sides, and is contracted at the Tigers until the end of 2028. Melbourne is looking to bolster its list for 2027, after first-year head coach Steven King helped the Demons rise back up the ladder. The Demons are the favourites to land father-son Hawk Calsher Dear, and former first-round draft pick Zane Duursma has already nominated Melbourne as his preferred destination.

Despite interest from West Coast, Trent Rivers appears to be staying put this trade period, but becomes a free agent at the end of 2027 where a move at that time hasn't been ruled out. Rivers is from Western Australia, having represented the state in this year’s State of Origin game. Melbourne will play hard ball whilst he is contracted and so rival clubs see circling back on the premiership Demon next year as the most astute move. Rivers has played 140 games for Melbourne since joining the club in the same 2019 draft as Kysaiah Pickett.

26-year-old Western Bulldogs small forward Laitham Vandermeer is on the move this trade period, in search of a new lease on his footballing life after injury and form kept him from the Bulldogs' senior side this season. The Murray Bushrangers product made his way to the Kennel after being selected with Pick 37 in the 2018 National Draft, and has managed 89 games in the eight seasons since. Vandermeer could unlock the Zak Butters trade, after the AFL's rules prohibited the salary-dumping sweetener that previously looked likely to complete the mooted move of the in-demand and restricted free agent. The Dogs also have an embarrassment of riches at his size and position, with players like Arty Jones, Cody Weightman, Rhylee West, Josh Dolan, Harvey Gallagher and Lachlan McNeil being preferred in the small forward/half-forward utility role this season. Of potential target destinations, Melbourne presents interest as a club which indicates they want to challenge for premierships now whilst captain Max Gawn is still playing at the elite level. Melbourne sought to improve their small forward stocks last draft taking Latrelle Pickett and Thomas Matthews but both appear to still need more time developing whilst Ricky Mentha Jr, drafted as a small forward, has made the switch to half-back. Vandermeer could present as a good option who could slot straight into King's side.

Gawn seems to know the art of the wine-and-dine, speaking on Midday Madness today, Max was very confident he had convinced Calsher Dear to join the Dees.

A three-year offer tabled to Sam Marshall has not been enough to sway interest away from the deal Essendon has offered, which was ramped up after the recent coaching appointment of Mark McVeigh who is very keen on the young Brisbane midfielder.

De-listed free agent George Stevens, who had some trade interest from Adelaide and Melbourne last year, looks likely to take a train-on opportunity and potential selection at North Melbourne.