The 2023 AFL season was quite the rollercoaster. From the roaring successes for several sides to the drastic underachievement of others, it was been one to remember. It had been a long time since there's been a finals race so close towards the end of the season, and it proved to be one of the most entertaining in recent memory.

For clubs who missed the eight, looking towards the trade period and the draft was the next step. Similarly, those in the eight were already be on the lookout for ways to improve their lists and make the jump to premiership glory.

The trade period can be such an advantageous time of year for any club, however, most moves usually don't work out for both sides. It's common for a side to end up with something better than the other in trades - especially regarding picks - but have there been trades where both clubs come off as beneficiaries?

We put together a list of nine trades that worked out for all those involved.

7. 2017 - A legend's backflip lands Hawks a talented young midfielder

When Luke Hodge announced his retirement from AFL at the end of his 2017 campaign with Hawthorn, players and fans alike had time to reflect on what was such a highly successful and decorated career. The four-time premiership player had played 305 games for Hawthorn before deciding to continue his career at the Brisbane Lions. The Hawks sent Hodge and Pick 44 for Picks 43 and 75 from Brisbane.

At the Lions, Hodge provided not only his talents but leadership to the entire group. In his first season at the Lions, the club finished 15th. However, in year two, the Lions made their way up to second on the ladder, a great achievement for the club. It had been a while since the Lions were in genuine contention for a flag, and the ex-Hawk helped make that a reality for them. His role as a 'player/coach' worked wonders for the side and the impacts he made are still being felt today.

On the other side, the Hawks managed to secure James Worpel with Pick 45 (their original pick of 43 was pushed back). Worpel had a strong debut season with the Hawks, averaging 17.5 touches a game and earning a Rising Star nomination in Round 21 of 2018, before earning a best and fairest in just his second season.

Under Sam Mitchell, Worpel has taken his game to another level and is leading from the front. Despite only being 24 years old, Worpel is one of the older members in the young Hawthorn midfield. He is going to be an integral part of the clubs' success as they look towards exiting a rebuilding phase and looking toward contention.