Several Australian Football League (AFL) clubs remain active in the current trade and free agency period as they position themselves ahead of the November draft.

Carlton has expressed strong interest in acquiring Giants half-back flanker Lachie Whitfield following the recent signing of Sydney free agent Joel Amartey on the opening day of free agency. The Blues are also preparing to match an early draft bid for father-son prospect Cody Walker, though securing both players will require them to part with valuable first-round draft picks. Meanwhile, Carlton’s tall players Hudson O’Keeffe and Flynn Riley have formally requested trades.

Essendon, after missing out on Sam Marshall and Luke Pedlar, has secured Jack Bowes’ verbal commitment and remains a contender for Melbourne veteran Jack Viney, who is weighing up interest from West Coast. The Bombers are engaged in negotiations involving Zach Merrett and Jordan Ridley, which could enhance their draft position. Additionally, delisted Docker Bailey Banfield is a potential target as a free agent post-trade period.

Fremantle is reportedly monitoring possible additions such as WA’s Lawson Humphries, with the club keeping a close eye on Nathan Broad’s retirement plans; Broad is rumoured to be considering continuing his career. The Dockers have stated no intention to trade contracted key defender Sean Darcy, despite interest from rival clubs. Meanwhile, Nathan O’Driscoll, initially expected to re-sign, is reconsidering his future.

Gold Coast’s primary focus is securing a favorable return for star forward Ben King, who appears set to join Hawthorn on a lengthy deal, though it remains uncertain whether this will occur via trade or free agency. The Suns are also formalizing Scott Pendlebury’s acquisition and may pursue a late trade for Hawthorn youngster Aidan Schubert. Notably, Charlie Ballard is not expected to seek a trade away from the club.

St Kilda recently secured Brisbane midfielder Sam Marshall’s commitment and is exploring trade options with the Lions as well as Geelong for Rowan Marshall, though requests for players such as Sam De Koning and Lawson Humphries have been declined. The Saints are also investigating half-back options, including Dan Houston and a link to Carlton-bound Lachie Whitfield, while Jayden Short remains a possible candidate. Trade speculation surrounds Alix Tauru and potential moves involving Gold Coast, but Tauru is more likely to remain at St Kilda. The club has denied reports suggesting Mattaes Phillipou is available for trade.

Melbourne was unable to secure emerging forward Calsher Dear, who re-signed with Hawthorn on a two-year deal despite the Dees’ efforts with a four-year offer. However, the club is expected to finalize the trade acquisition of Zane Duursma from North Melbourne. Interest in Richmond’s Jayden Short appears to have waned, while Jack Viney is poised to leave, with West Coast and Essendon among the suitors. Trent Rivers is also attracting attention from the Eagles.

North Melbourne is prioritizing the recruitment of Adelaide defender Nick Murray to strengthen its backline, though convincing Adelaide may require a significant offer. Interest in Jordan Ridley has diminished following their trade pursuits. The Kangaroos missed out on Jack Bowes, who has nominated Essendon as his preferred destination. Outgoing players Zane Duursma and Josh Goater have requested trades to Melbourne and Hawthorn respectively.

Port Adelaide is aiming to extract maximum value in a trade involving restricted free agent Zak Butters, with a focus on accruing draft picks to secure top prospects such as Dougie Cochrane, Louis Salopek, and Zemes Pilot. Initial plans involving Todd Marshall in a side deal with the Western Bulldogs were rejected by the AFL, prompting a revised strategy. The Power hold multiple selections in the early rounds of the draft.

Richmond confirmed the signing of GWS ruckman Kieren Briggs on day one of free agency and has made unsuccessful late attempts to acquire Jake Riccardi and Bailey Macdonald. The Tigers seek to strengthen their half-back line amidst uncertainty over Jayden Short’s status. Securing an additional second-round pick would bolster their draft position ahead of Tasmania’s enhanced draft involvement.

Sydney’s activity has slowed following the departure of Joel Amartey and amid the ongoing “Pullman Five” controversy. Nick Blakey remains the primary player linked with potential trade movement. Forward Hayden McLean is anticipated to remain as the club’s key-forward structure evolves. Sydney’s limited late draft selections may constrain significant roster overhaul.

West Coast remains in the mix for Melbourne veterans Jack Viney and Trent Rivers, while also monitoring Geelong’s Gryan Miers. Conversations have taken place with Viney, who is considering options between the Eagles and Essendon. Speculation about a pursuit of Sydney’s Chad Warner exists but is regarded as unlikely. Nathan Broad’s potential return from retirement could also impact West Coast’s recruitment plans.

The Western Bulldogs continue their focus on securing Zak Butters amid competition from Port Adelaide, which is considering whether to match the Dogs’ offer. Carlton’s ruckman Hudson O’Keefe has requested a trade to the Bulldogs, and Hawthorn’s Finn Maginness is also on their radar. The Bulldogs recently enhanced their defense by signing Adelaide free agent Jordan Butts.

As the trade period progresses, clubs are focused on balancing list management with strategic draft positioning to strengthen their rosters ahead of the 2024 season.