What to look for during the AFL trade period

The AFL trade period is upon us, a time when clubs attempt to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season. Seventeen clubs are eyeing the reigning premiers, hoping to catch them off guard. Brisbane is keen to maintain its position in the pack. While no games are won during this off-season, a successful trade period can lay the foundation for future success.

Star power dominates discussions as the trade period commences. High-profile names like Lachie Neale, Toby Greene, and Jesse Hogan are set to make moves, with Neale joining Collingwood, Greene heading to Geelong, and Hogan reuniting with his fourth club, Collingwood. These seasoned players are joined by several others who have already established themselves over their careers.

Not limited to established stars, the trade period sees an increase in trades involving key position players and rucks. As the league trends towards multiple forward positions and an extended bench, clubs are searching for answers to their roster deficiencies.

A significant change in the draft rules has given Essendon a boost, incentivizing them to select a player tied to a club via the father-son or academy rules. This could give Essendon and up to four other clubs an extra high-end draft pick. Dougie Cochrane, a talented key position player from South Australia, is the prime candidate for this potential selection.

Cochrane, despite missing most of the previous season due to injury, had an impressive junior season in 2025. Due to the new rule, there is little doubt that Cochrane will be drafted first.

The Tasmania Football Club has also unveiled its first eight players, signaling potential challenges ahead for the draft. The new rule has provided lowly clubs with a de facto priority pick system, offering struggling clubs a leg-up. This year's draft is considered deeper throughout the pack, and its players are expected to hold a premium on their usual value.