We're a week closer to the end of the home and away season and, therefore, a week closer to this year's trade and free agency windows.
Carlton are said to have met with a new target recently as they potentially look to bolster their backline, while it's been another busy week for West Coast as they shape as a key piece in this year's trade period.
Here's all the latest trade news from the past week...
Former Pick 2 "one to watch"
Gold Coast tall Jack Lukoius has been flagged as a potential player on the move this off-season despite having two years to run on his current contract.
The former Pick 2 selection, who was dropped this week, has struggled to emulate the level of form he reached in 2023 with a 39-goal campaign as a key forward threat.
Used at both ends of the field this year, Lukosius hasn't been able to find consistency in his game and could be one Sun to be squeezed out Damien Hardwick's list as they eye a move for dashing Richmond defender Daniel Rioli, per News Corp.
Adelaide has long been linked to the South Australian, while Port Adelaide could be a more suitable landing spot.
READ: LUKOSIUS A CHANCE TO BE 'SQUEEZED OUT'
Richmond defender commits after Roos links
North Melbourne's plans of bolstering their backline have taken a hit after the Arden Street club turned to contracted Tigers backman Nathan Broad, who has now re-signed at Richmond.
The Tigers already dealing with a number of premiership players who could depart this off-season, with the Victorian club needing to weigh up whether to significantly strengthen their draft hand or hold onto their top line of talent.
Broad, who would've been a free agent next year, won't be on the way out after adding a further 12 months to his deal at Punt Road.
North Melbourne were said to be keen on the triple premiership defender.
MORE: NORTH EYE SENIOR TIGER
West Coast pair potentially gettable
Premiership Eagles Liam Ryan and Jack Darling are both said to be in the sights of rival clubs.
Both players are contracted beyond 2024 and would need to be traded to depart West Coast, who could consider what they might get in a deal for either forward.
9 Newsย has reported a three-year offer could "tempt" Ryan out of the Eagles, while clubs in the market for a key forward have some attention placed on Darling, per AFL.com.au.
The Eagles have also seen Tom Barrass, Jake Waterman and Harry Edwards linked to rival clubs, with the Perth side able to add to their draft hand this year should they be open to parting ways with senior players.
STORY: RIVALS EYEING CONTRACTED EAGLES DUOย
Carlton meet with GWS veteran
The Blues are said to have spoken with Giants free agent Nick Haynes, who is considering his future beyond 2024.
Haynes is open to joining a second club should a keen bidder emerge, with the All-Australian backman having played just seven games in 2024.
The Ageย have revealed Carlton have shown an interest and met with Haynes as they potentially look to find some support for star defender Jacob Weitering.
MORE: CARLTON SET SIGHTS ON HAYNESย
Power backman on rival's radar
With West Coast potentially parting with Tom Barrass and/or Harry Edwards this off-season, the Eagles are said to have begun scouting the market for key defenders.
According to AFL.com.au,ย Port Adelaide's Tom Clurey has emerged as a player of interest to the WA club.
Clurey is contracted at Alberton until the end of next year and has played one game since the end of the 2022 season, having dealt with a back injury that brought his year to an early end last season.
READ: EAGLES COULD MOVE FOR OUT-OF-FAVOUR DEFENDER
Hint on star Bomber's future
Essendon coach Brad Scott did his best to almost guarantee that off-contract forward Jake Stringer will be at the club in 2025.
Asked if he was confident the livewire attacker would be in the red and black next year, Scott offered a near-obvious hint.
"I'm not going to get into the business of confirming or denying those things, but my wry smile gives a bit away," he said on Wednesday.
Scott also spoke on his ongoing conversations with veteran pair Dyson Heppell and Todd Goldstein.
MORE: COACH'S CLEAR INDICATION ON STRINGER'S FUTURE
Five Bulldogs targets
Rounding out our 2024 trade targets series is the Western Bulldogs...
We've named five players the Dogs could consider making moves for this off-season as they continue to build their list.
Luke Beveridge's side could be in need of further ruck depth, another small forward, or some outside run.
MORE: WHO THE DOGS COULD HAVE IN THEIR SIGHTS
Demons to use "all avenues" to improve list
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has flagged his club could again take to the off-season player movement space to strengthen its forward line.
The Demons have continued to find the needed mix, cohesion and selection consistency with their attacking third over the past couple of seasons.
Amid links to West Coast forward Jake Waterman, Goodwin said his club is constantly looking at how it can get better.
"It's certainly an area of the ground we're continuing to look at," Goodwin said on Wednesday.
"We have for a number of years tried to get the personnel we need, whether that be through the draft or through trade or free agency. We'll leave no stone unturned in looking at how we get our list better.
"We'll look at all avenues as to how we can get better in that space."
READ: GOODWIN NOTES HOPES OF IMPROVING FORWARD LINE
Crows confident defender will stay, Walker latest
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks spoke of his confidence the club will keep defender Mark Keane for 2025, with the Irishman said to be weighing up a potential move to Collingwood this off-season.
Contracted for the next 12 months, the defender has been linked with a move to his old side as he potentially seeks a Victorian return.
Nicks said he believes Keane will remain a Crow, while also offering the latest on Taylor Walker's decision-making as he nears a call on his future.
