Lachie Neale among 10 players set to define chaotic trade period
This year’s AFL trade and free agency period gets underway in the next few days, and it looms as an intriguing one, as multiple huge names look for fresh starts.
Free agency opens on Friday before the trade floodgates then open fully on Monday. The AFL is already bracing for rules to be stretched and bickering clubs across a no-holds-barred fortnight.
Buttes. Neale. Blakey. Three men set to dominate this year’s trade period. Getty
Here are the 10 players set to define the upcoming trade period, starting with a three-time premiership Lion who has had a big year in the spotlight.
1. Lachie Neale (Brisbane)
Following Saturday’s grand final, Lachie Neale has confirmed he will be departing Brisbane as an unrestricted free agent in the coming days.
It has been a turbulent year for Neale, who split with his partner Jules in January, leading to him stepping down as Lions captain. She and their kids moved back to Perth, leading to speculation of the dual Brownlow Medallist potentially returning to Fremantle at the end of the year.
And while that looked to be the case earlier in the year, Collingwood came to Neale with a three-year deal reportedly worth close to $1m per season. The Lions confirmed his departure on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old will join the Magpies and move to Victoria, joining Nick Daicos in a fascinating midfield unit.
The Pies’ premiership era appears to have closed as an ageing side begins to drop away, but they appear keen to top up with veterans, given Neale and Jesse Hogan appear to be on the way.
2. Zak Butters (Port Adelaide)
One of the best midfielders in the competition, Zak Butters has requested a move to the Western Bulldogs, the team he grew up supporting.
The question is how the Dogs get a deal over the line. The Power will likely match their restricted free agency bid and force them to the trade table, but the AFL has already vetoed a potential blending of the two, involving a lopsided trade for Port’s Todd Marshall.
Butters will get to the Kennel, but they will certainly pay a hefty price. Both with his $18m, nine-year contract and the looming trade price. This one could go down to the wire from a negotiation standpoint.
3. Ben King (Gold Coast)
Ben King is in a very similar boat and has stated his desire to join Hawthorn. A restricted free agent, the Suns reportedly want more than the pick five free agency compensation pick they would scoop up if they let him walk.
This could see them match and force the Hawks to the trade table, which would make life difficult Hawthorn as they attempt to also land Zach Merrett from Essendon.
Talks of a side deal separate to free agency compensation have been raised here as well and the AFL will need to apply the same scrutiny as they did for the Butters situation.
The league will have their hands full attempting to keep clubs in check, but Hawthorn will certainly hope the Suns simply accept pick five and move on.
Ben King was among the contenders for this year’s Coleman Medal. AFL Photos
4. Toby Greene (GWS)
After much deliberation, Toby Greene revealed he would be joining Geelong as an unrestricted free agent and returning to Victoria.
The Giants captain departs hoping to chase a premiership as his old side enters a rebuilding period.
An enormous pick-up for the Cats, Greene gives them yet another versatile mid-forward weapon for Chris Scott to play with.
The Giants will be hoping for first round compensation, but given his age they may have to settle for something at the start of the second round.
Toby Greene is heading to Geelong. Getty Images
5. Rowan Marshall (St Kilda)
Another player keen to head to Geelong is St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall. He requested a trade to the Cats last year, but the Saints held firm and denied him the move.
After a year of sharing ruck duties with Tom De Koning, Marshall is keen to try again despite remaining contracted to the Saints.
He will hope the two teams can come to an arrangement. As will the Cats, given they have been without a force in the ruck for multiple years now and it cost them dearly in this year's finals series.
St Kilda can play hard ball, with Marshall tied to the club until the end of 2027.
6. Nick Blakey (Sydney)
The suspended Sydney star has reportedly indicated his desire for a fresh start, after the turmoil stemming from the night at the Pullman Hotel following round 23.
It has been reported that Nick Blakey’s relationship with the Swans has deteriorated and he has been linked with potential moves to Victoria or Queensland.
The Suns and Cats are among the teams interested, but he is contracted to Sydney until the end of 2031.
On top of that, Victoria Police will not conclude their investigation until well after the trade period, leaving trade suitors in murky waters.
7. Zach Merrett (Essendon)
Zach Merrett tried desperately to get to Hawthorn this time last year, but was denied by the Bombers, who brought him back for 2026.
He handed over the captaincy and had a solid season, but will once again attempt to get his fresh start as he looks to chase premiership success.
However, Merrett remains contracted to the Bombers until the end of 2027 meaning the Hawks will once again need to attempt to satisfy the Dons in a trade.
Early reports are Essendon, under new coach Mark McVeigh, are more willing to listen to offers this time around.
Zach Merrett is likely to request a trade to Hawthorn again. Getty Images
8. Lachie Whitfield (GWS)
The Giants are reportedly allowing the veteran defender to explore his options in this upcoming trade period, to the surprise of many.
Lachie Whitfield had a strong 2026 season and the likes of Carlton, Melbourne and St Kilda have emerged as potential landing spots.
The Giants want a first round pick for the contracted 32-year-old, which may make for a difficult negotiation.
Whitfield met with Carlton recently and has reportedly shown interest in joining the Blues.
Jack Viney only played one game for Melbourne in 2026. Getty Images
9. Jack Viney (Melbourne)
After a season derailed by injury, Melbourne has told former captain Jack Viney to explore his options in the upcoming trade period.
The Dees did something similar with Clayton Oliver and Steven May 12 months ago and appear ready to continue moving on from premiership heroes.
Viney has reportedly met with West Coast and Essendon, who are both interested in adding the midfield bull and leader.
This will be one to watch given there could be some bad blood on the way out.
Scott Pendlebury of the Magpies. Getty
10. Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)
Scott Pendlebury will continue his illustrious career as he approaches 450 AFL games, but will do so on the Gold Coast.
In a stunning move, he has revealed he will be joining the Suns on a two-year playing deal followed by an assistant coaching contract.
The Pies were not all-in on the 38-year-old continuing with the club and Damien Hardwick's side pounced and have landed him.
The only caveat is this will likely need to be a trade, not a free agency move. This is because Gold Coast does not want to dilute its compensation pick, should Ben King head to Hawthorn via free agency.
Seeing Pendlebury in a red guernsey will take some getting used to next season.
