AFL fans were sitting on the edge of their seats in the hope of a busy day four of the 2024 Trade Period and were left with a crumb of a crumb.
No official moves were outlaid, whilst any development of potential trades was kept relatively private.
However, there were things worth mentioning.
Here's all the latest trade news from day four of the 2024 AFL Trade Period...
The potential three-club trade that is in the works
Collingwood, Port Adelaide and Gold Coast are reportedly discussing a three-club trade that would see a raft of players - and picks - switch clubs.
Ultimately, the deal would see Dan Houston (Port Adelaide) land at the Pies and John Noble (Collingwood) at the Suns, while Jack Lukosius (Gold Coast) and Joe Richards (Collingwood) find themselves in Alberton.
As mentioned, an exchange of picks will definitely be involved, but as to what that looks like is still being negotiated.
Young Pie explores options
Collingwood's Finlay Macrae has long been touted as a player on the move, given the lack of opportunities at AFL level.
It is understood that Macrae is "keen to find a suitor" this off-season, albeit with another year attached to his current contract.
The inclusion of Harry Perryman from the Giants, as well as the potential acquisition of Dan Houston, would also push the 22-year-old further down the pecking order.
Macrae's teammates, Lachie Sullivan, Ned Long and Jack Bytel, are also waiting in limbo as the Pies have yet to decide on their futures.
Giants put forward Peatling price
GWS is reportedly eyeing Adelaide's future second-round selection and Pick 46 in this year's draft for midfielder James Peatling.
The Giants youngster officially requested a trade a week ago following teammate Isaac Cumming in the move to West Lakes.
It was reported byย AFL Media that the Crows are unlikely to hand over the pair of selections, but the future second-round pick is set to be the central part of the trade talk.
Clubs eyeing off Bombers' top pick
Essendon is also dealing with rival clubs regarding their first pick in the upcoming National Draft, which currently sits at Pick 9.
It is understood that this year's crop of players will rival some of the super drafts in years gone by, given its depth and star power across all lines.
As a result, clubs are attempting to get higher up the order to land some of the next-generation stars.
"We have had some offers and interest in Pick 9, whether it be for us to move back and move into the future," Essendon list managerย Matt Rosaย toldย Trade Radioย on Thursday.
"We've got to listen to all opportunities. It would need to be quite a special offer to give up Pick 9 at this stage."
The Bombers are also conscious of a potential bid on NGA talent Isaac Kako, who is all but confirmed to go within the first round.
Latest on Jake Stringer-GWS trade
Essendon are open to trading out Jake Stringer if an "adequate" deal comes their way.
Stringer is contracted for 2025 but has been shopping around in an attempt to secure a longer deal, with the Giants seemingly the only realistic options (as it stands).
GWS are currently doing their due diligence for the former Bulldog, but the Bombers say they won't entertain a move unless it satisfies their needs.
"The Giants have shown some interest," Essendon list managerย Matt Rosaย toldย Trade Radioย on Thursday.
"No official request, we're keeping in constant contact with Jake's management group. We'll work through that one as it plays out.
"Jake is locked into a one-year deal, we've had discussions around the tenure aspect. Jake, as you can understand, is looking for security at the age he is at.
"The fact that Jake's a contracted player, it'd need to be adequate compensation (to trade him)."
Giant staying put amid Bomber links
GWS youngster Conor Stone isn't going anywhere after heavy links to Essendon.
The Victorian was out of contract heading into 2025 but recently signed a two-year deal to remain in New South Wales with the Giants.
The Bombers were public in their interest of luring Stone back to his home state but ultimately lost out in the race for his signature.
The 22-year-old has been touted to replace the likes of Isaac Cumming (Adelaide) and Harry Perryman (Collingwood) as a halfback.
Swans deny Kangaroos Parker offer
Sydney veteran Luke Parker has officially requested a trade to North Melbourne, with the details still being ironed out.
It was reported that the Kangaroos put forward Pick 62 in exchange for Parker, which the Swans baulked at.
As with most trades, there will be plenty of haggling, but given the 2024 runner-up farewelled the club champion at the best and fairest, the deal will get done.
But for what, selection is still in the air.
North Melbourne does hold Picks 25 and 44 after using 67 on Jack Darling (West Coast).
Veteran Saints extend
St Kilda pair Zak Jones and Dougal Howard have decided to continue their careers at Moorabbin, both signing one-year extensions to remain at the club in 2025.
The pair were seen as a handful of players in limbo, but following the departure of Josh Battle and Seb Ross, the Saints have recommitted to the experienced duo.
Off the back of an impressive second half of the season, Jones was rewarded with another 12 months and will be good depth.
As for Howard, he battled with injuries during 2024 but will be an important commodity in 2025 if he can get his body right.
