The AFL's silly season is among us, and the opening day of the free agency period didn't let us down.
GWS were involved in three separate moves as a trio of stars found new homes across the competition.
After months of conjecture, Hawthorn won the battle for St Kilda swingman Josh Battle, with the Saints receiving a nifty draft compensation selection.
Free agency opened on Friday and saw six players joining new clubs, with the trade period to officially open on Monday.
Here's all the latest news from the first day of the free agency and trade window.
Hawks won the Battle, but Saints will be happy
Josh Battle's arrival at Hawthorn will initially sting St Kilda but the blow will be softened by the compensation coming back.
Battle will bolster the Hawks' backline as the club attempts to replicate its stellar 2024 season that ended at the semi-final weekend.
As for the Saints, they secured Pick 8 (currently) as a result, which, in a draft this strong, will come in handy for a club that's sat in no man's land more often than not.
Giant exodus as trio find new clubs
Isaac Cumming (Adelaide), Harry Perryman (Collingwood) and Nick Haynes (Carlton) have all departed the AFL's youngest club for various reasons.
Haynes opted to move to the Blues in a bid for more senior opportunities, having spent the majority of the 2024 season toiling away in the VFL despite playing well above the level.
Perryman's switch to the Pies was inspired by the potential of more midfield time, with fans expecting a dream pairing alongside Nick Daicos and Jordan De Goey whilst also freeing up Josh Daicos and Jack Crisp.
Lastly, Cumming's departure was due to the offer put forward by the Crows that blew GWS' out of the water, as a link with Taylor Walker proved to be the difference in the decision.
The Giants received Pick 16 (currently) for Perryman.
Elsewhere, Giants list boss Jason McCartney is confident that the club can keep Conor Stone, Xavier O'Halloran and Wade Derksen on its list despite links to rival clubs.
O'Halloran and Derksen are contracted for 2025 whilst Stone is weighing up an offer from the club.
"We still are confident he (Conor Stone) will stay, but he hasn't as yet accepted the contract. He has seen a couple of players depart that he could quite comfortable filly those roles. We are keen for him to continue on with us," McCartney said.
"Yep, we see him (Xavier O'Halloran) staying. Same with Wade."
Melbourne make Clarry call
Melbourne have reportedly closed the door on the idea of parting ways with four-time best and fairest winner Clayton Oliver this off-season.
Oliver has met with Geelong on multiple occasions this week as the club weighed up a potential move for their star ball-winner, who was said to be considering his future in the red and blue despite having six years to run on his contract.
While members within the Demons were said to be pushing for a potential trade, a decision from the club is now expected to see Oliver stay at Melbourne for the 2025 season at least.
SEN'sย Sam Edmund revealed on Friday Morning that any deal between Melbourne and Geelong for Oliver was now unlikely.
Stringer in talks with GWS
The Giants have been involved in plenty and it didn't stop at Essendon forward Jake Stringer.
It's understood that Stringer is looking for a longer deal, with a trigger he hit locking him away at the Hangar for 2025.
GWS' Jason McCartney revealed the club's interest in the former Bulldog, of which he has been linked with before.
"Obviously, you and many people know I've had a long association through my previous role at the (Western) Bulldogs with the team that drafted Jake a long time ago," McCartney told Trade Radio.
"I'll be brutally honest, there's been some preliminary chats a few weeks ago with his management, which, whether that progresses any further or not, whilst you're always looking at any way you can improve your list, there's been a sharper focus in some other areas that we're looking at at the moment.
"There's still a few other things we're looking at as well. It's all got to fit into the bigger piece of the puzzle. Trade Period actually doesn't even start until next Monday, so there's a bit to play out."
In Himmelberg. Out Lukosius?
Gold Coast have prepared for life after Jack Lukosius after the forward requested a trade to Port Adelaide with two years remaining on his contract.
After a failed move last year, Adelaide swingman Elliott Himmelberg has landed at the Suns via free agency on a three-year deal.
Himmelberg failed to rise up the pecking order at West Lakes, falling behind Taylor Walker, Darcy Fogarty and Riley Thilthorpe.
Gold Coast have added to their tall stocks that already consist of Ben King, Jed Walter, Ethan Read and Mac Andrew.
AFL journeyman finds fourth club
Melbourne has secured Tom Campbell from St Kilda in a bid to offer Max Gawn more support.
Campbell joins the club having spent time at North Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs and the Saints, playing 58 games across the past 13 seasons.
The 32-year-old will also assist young rucks Tom Fullartonย andย Will Verrall, who are touted as a replacement for Gawn when he retires.
Crows, Lions announce list changes
Adelaide has delisted Ned McHenry, Lachlan Gollant, Patrick Parnell and Will Hamill as the club looks to improve its list.
The quartet of youngsters all featured in recent times but failed to make a meaningful impact under coach Matthew Nicks.
The Crows have already welcomed Isaac Cumming to the mix and expect Alex Neal-Bullen and James Peatling to join the club via trades when the movement period opens on Monday.
Brisbane have also bid farewell to Carter Michael, Kalin Lane and James Madden, with the latter informing the Lions this week of his desire to return to Ireland.
The trio of departures add to the recent retirement of Jarryd Lyons and Joe Daniher at the premiers.
