With just over a month left in the 2024 home and away season, clubs - and their fans - will begin to turn their attention toward trade, free agency and draft planning.
While still in July, trade news and rumours continue to run rife across the AFL as a number of big calls loom.
Following a busy week of speculated player movement and contract news, we've compiled our weekly trade news wrap-up to have all the latest in the one place.
Hawks enter Barrass race
Hawthorn have reportedly joined the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood as keen suitors for contracted Eagles defender Tom Barrass.
Barrass is contracted with West Coast until the end of 2027, but could be utilised in a trade should the Eagles place greater attention toward strengthening their draft hand for this year's count.
At least one first-round pick would be required to satisfy the Eagles in any deal, while Barrass has looked to squash rumours on his future recently.
The Hawks are said to be showing interest in the premiership backman, with Sam Mitchell and assistant Adrian Hickmott both familiar with Barrass thanks to their days as Eagles coaches.
READ: NEW CLUB ENTERS RACE FOR WEST COAST STAR
AA defender comments on future as front-runner emerges
Melbourne are said to be the front-runner for Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston, who has pledged his commitment to the Power.
Houston's name has been raised as a potential trade target for Victorian clubs, with the All-Australian believed to be weighing up a potential return to his home state.
The Demons, who are looking to bolster their running options in defence, are said to be in a strong position to land Houston should he seek a move east.
The Port defender has addressed questions on his future however, tellingย Fox Footyย that he is committed to the South Australian side.
STORY: IN-DEMAND DEFENDER TALKS FUTURE AMID RUMOURS
The Crow who could be on the move
Adelaide free agent Elliott Himmelber is said to be a chance of finding a second club despite having an offer on the table from the Crows.
Following a failed move to GWS last year, Himmelberg is now unsigned and able to move on from West Lakes should he desire to do so.
AFL.com.auย believe keen rivals stand a strong chance to lure Himmelberg, however the Giants aren't seen to be a likely landing spot for the key position Crow.
READ: CROWS TALL POTENTIALLY "UP FOR GRABS"
Suns confirm addition of ex-cricketer as free agent makes big call
It has been a busy week for Gold Coast, who have not only added to their list for 2025 but secured the services of a key player for the future.
After ongoing speculation that the Suns had signed former BBL cricketer Zak Evans to a category B rookie deal, the club confirmed the mature-aged recruit's arrival on Monday.
Evans, who will suit up for the Suns' VFL side and training under Damien Hardwick this year before officially joining the club's senior list in the pre-season, is likely to slot into a defensive role following is code change.
Meanwhile, free agent Ben Ainsworth's new four-year deal was confirmed by the club in what is a major retention signing for the Queensland club.
Ainsworth, a product from Victoria's east, turned down interest from Essendon and Port Adelaide to recommit to the Suns until the end of 2028.
READ: SUNS GUN MAKES CALL ON FUTURE
Who Richmond could chase in 2024
Currently holding Pick 1, and potentially many more early selections come the off-season, Richmond will be an interesting watch over the next few months.
The Tigers could see a handful of premiership icons depart this year, with all of Liam Baker, Dustin Martin, Daniel Rioli, Jack Graham and Dion Prestia facing uncertain futures.
If Richmond can strengthen their draft hand significantly through player movement, who could they have their eyes on to potentially lure to Punt Road?
We've named five players the Tigers might consider moving for...
READ: FIVE POTENTIAL TRADE TARGETS FOR RICHMOND
Saint facing uncertain future as club targets similar player
St Kilda veteran Brad Crouch is said to be facing an unclear future at Moorabbin due to ongoing injury concerns.
Crouch has played one game at AFL level this year due to an ongoing knee issue that has plagued his 2024 campaign.
While being contracted for next year, there is a view that Crouch may have played his last game in the red, white and black, perย The Herald Sun.
The doubt over Crouch comes as the Saints express an interest in contracted Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel.
READ: CROUCH NO CERTAINTY TO PLAY ON
Melbourne respond to Clarry rumours
After it was flagged that Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver could be available to rival clubs amid reports of tension between the Demons and their star man, the club has addressed the speculation.
Oliver, who is signed through to the end of 2030 at Melbourne, has often been raised as a potential trade target for clubs given his well-documented past 12 months at the club.
With speculation again suggesting there is some doubt over Oliver's future in the red and blue, assistant coach Andrew McQualter told media this week the gun onballer will remain a Demon for the long haul.
"It's just not true," McQualter said on Wednesday.
"Clayton is great. He's really determined to play great footy for us and be a great teammate. You look at him every time he comes to training and the kid is hungry to improve."
STORY: DEMONS DISCUSS OLIVER RUMOURS
Potential St Kilda trade targetsย
We've named five players the Saints could consider hunting this year as they look to further build their list under Ross Lyon.
With over 20 players still unsigned for 2024 at Moorabbin, the off-season could be one of great change for St Kilda.
With a number of holes likely to be filled, we've named a West Coast backman and a GWS free agent among the players the Saints might chase come the player movement period.
READ: FIVE POTENTIAL TRADE TARGETS FOR ST KILDA
Melbourne swingman turns down chance of SA move as trio re-sign
It was a busy week for Melbourne off the field, with the Demons re-signing Harrison Pettyย (2027),ย Koltyn Tholstrup (2028) andย Caleb Windsor (2028) to new deals.
Petty was set to come off-contract in 2025 and likely earn interest from Adelaide once again this year, however the defender-turned-forward has instead opted to add two more years to his contract.
That move came as the Demons locked away 2023 first-round draftees Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Thlstrup through to 2028, adding two years onto their respective deals.
