AFL trade period RECAP: ‘Turned his head’: Vic side’s monster offer swings Swans star

Thanks for tuning in for today’s AFL trade live coverage.

We’ll be back tomorrow for more rumours, news, speculation and trades.

North Melbourne has now been cut out of the mega deal trade, with now only five or six clubs in direct negotiation.

As Cal Twomey revealed earlier, North Melbourne is believed to have turned Nick Blakey’s head somewhat through sheer finances.

Now, Twomey has revealed just how they’ve done that. He says the Roos have offered the Swans star more than $11m over eight years as part of attempting to lure him to the club.

Essendon was granted two additional rookie list spots by the AFL for next season and firmly in their target is delisted Fremantle utility Bailey Banfield.

Banfield is a proven and capable AFL player who can play roles anywhere on the ground and has built a reputation as a great clubman.

He was axed by the Dockers after 119 games in October and has met with the Bombers about signing as a delisted free agent.

Essendon list boss Matt Rosa confirmed today they are hoping to add some experience to their list via these extra rookie spots.

The Bulldogs have 26 hours remaining to lodge their restricted free agency bid for Zak Butters.

They are likely hoping this seven-team mega trade is finalised first, so they know Port Adelaide won’t bite them and match the bid.

They will almost certainly lodge the paperwork today or early tomorrow and we are hoping this post jinxes it into reality in the next few hours…

The AFL wants to ensure that this trade isn’t being used as cover simply to allow the Bulldogs to sneak Port Adelaide some extra compensation, so they don’t match a Zak Butters free agency offer.

Which team will be the least active in this trade period?

Fremantle immediately comes to mind. They haven’t been linked to many players, but also don’t appear to be losing any.

Brisbane likely won’t be gaining any, but will be active in negotiations for departing players like Sam Marshall and Will McLachlan, plus Lachie Neale is gone.

After missing Zac Bailey, Adelaide appears to have gone quiet. They didn’t appear to have a plan B there. Luke Pedlar has requested a trade to Port. Odd that we haven’t seen much movement there.

Richmond and Collingwood have reached a stalemate in discussions surrounding defender Jayden Short.

News Corp is reporting that the Tigers want pick 28 for the 30-year-old, but the Pies are unwilling to part with it at this stage.

Seems like a pretty reasonable price, but Collingwood is also desperate to add young talent to their list.

Might be one that goes into next week.

News Corp is reporting that former Carlton ruckman Alex Mirkov is set to sign with GWS for 2027.

Mirkov has dominated lower leagues since being cut by the Blues without playing a game at AFL level.

With the Giants losing Kieren Briggs to Richmond, they have seemingly signed Mirkov to add to their depth.

Sydney defender Dane Rampe, who stood in as captain during the club’s preliminary final loss, is yet to decide if he will continue playing on in 2027.

Club list boss Chris Keane told Trade Radio just recently that he is still making up his mind.

Rampe, 35, was still a clear part of Sydney’s best 23 this season.

“He will make that decision over the next couple of weeks,” Keane said.

Could be a very different looking Swans backline in 2027 without Rampe, Mills (ACL) and Blakey.