The opening of the AFL's 2024 Trade Period is hours away with all 18 clubs expected to be active in some shape or form.
Free agency commenced on Friday and will run for a week, while the trade period will start on Monday and will close on Wednesday, October 16.
Richmond, West Coast, GWS and Fremantle are among the clubs set to shape this year's player movement window, while there's no discounting any last-minute bombshells that could ensue.
In our ultimate trade guide for the 2024 off-season, we assess every club's potential gains and losses, their unsigned players and their current draft hand.
Melbourne's Alex Neal-Bullen has confirmed his desire to land at West Lakes this off-season. Neal-Bullen could be a straightforward swap for Adelaide's second-best selection - Pick 28 - which was ironically handed to the Crows from Melbourne last year. The Crows are in line to land GWS midfielder James Peatling, who had close to half the competition circling his services, following the acquisition of Isaac Cumming as a free agent.
Adelaide ree agent Elliott Himmelberg returned to Queensland on Friday by signing with the Suns, with the Crows not gaining any compensation.
Potential Additions:Â Alex Neal-Bullen, James Peatling
Potential Departures:Â -
Off-Contract Players:Â -
Draft Picks:Â 4, 28, 45, 63
The Lions are facing a fairly quiet off-season as they continue to celebrate their premiership win, however they will look to the key forward market after the retirement of Joe Daniher. Delisted Carlton small forward Jack Martin had been linked to a potential Queensland return prior to choosing Geelong, with now ex-teammate Matt Owies another option for Brisbane to consider.
Defender Jaxon Prior remains without a deal for 2025 and has been linked to Essendon, who could be keen on the medium-sized defender.
Potential Additions: Matthew Owies
Potential Departures:Â Jaxon Prior
Off-Contract Players: Luke Beecken, Darcy Craven, Darragh Joyce, Jaxon Prior
Draft Picks:Â 20, 59, 72
The Blues added GWS free agent Nick Haynes early into the signing window. In-demand Port Adelaide defender Daniel Houston is on Carlton's radar, but whether the Blues are willing to stump up their top pick for November's draft to attain the All-Australian remains to be seen.
Carlton have permitted trio Matthew Owies, Matthew Kennedy and Lewis Young to look elsewhere this year, albeit the latter duo are under contract for 2025.
Potential Additions: Daniel Houston
Potential Departures:Â Matthew Kennedy, Matthew Owies, Lewis Young
Off-Contract Players: Jack Carroll, Matt Carroll, Sam Durdin, Cooper Lord, Matthew Owies
Draft Picks:Â 12, 34, 65, 68, 71
The Magpies secured Harry Perryman via free agency on a six-year deal in what could be the only addition to Craig McRae's side. The 2023 premiers have turned their back on a potential move for Essendon's Jake Stringer, with their attention having turned to Perryman late and their play for the Giants utility a successful one. Port Adelaide youngster Ollie Lord has garnered reported interest from the Magpies, but it's teammate Daniel Houston who is right in the Pies' sights. Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson could be a player of interest and would be a cheap addition given his unrestricted free agency status.
Speedster Joe Richards is weighing up his future, with deals on the table from both Collingwood and Port Adelaide, while half-back John Noble is expected to land with the Suns. The Magpies still have the likes of Reef McInnes, Nathan Kreuger and Charlie Dean without deals for 2025 also.
Potential Additions: Daniel Houston Adam Tomlinson, Ollie Lord
Potential Departures:Â Joe Richards, John Noble
Off-Contract Players: Jack Bytel, Charlie Dean, Joshua Eyre, Nathan Kreuger, Ned Long, Reef McInnes, Wil Parker, Joe Richards, Lachie Sullivan
Draft Picks:Â 36, 51, 54
The Bombers' list plans have taken different shapes over the past months, with several mid-season targets either re-signed or pursuing moves elsewhere. The situation has seen Essendon express late interest in several fringe assets, with West Coast free agent and defender Josh Rotham linked. Brisbane's Jaxon Prior, who is of a similar build, is another name tied to Tullamarine. Hawthorn midfielder Finn Maginness also has reported interest from Essendon but is under contract, with the Bombers keen on some outside run.
Livewire Jake Stringer has gained interest from GWS as he looks for a longer deal, but the scenario where he remains in the red and black remains alive. Defender Jayden Laverde is another contracted Bomber who could hit the open market, but a leading landing spot is yet to emerge.
Potential Additions:Â Josh Rotham, Finn Maginness, Jaxon Prior
Potential Departures:Â Jake Stringer, Jayden Laverde
Off-Contract Players: Jayden Davey, Will Setterfield, Sam Weideman
Draft Picks: 9, 31
A busy window for the Dockers could is set to open, with the pick-loaded purple club hoping to secure at least one of Richmond's wantaway stars. Liam Baker looks more likely to land at West Coast as he seeks a return home, while Shai Bolton remains a chance to join Fremantle over the Eagles despite Andrew McQualter's appointment with West Coast. Collingwood speedster Joe Richards and Western Bulldogs midfielder Riley Garcia have been linked to the Dockers but are seen to have stronger suitors elsewhere. Cut Carlton livewire Jack Martin had interest from Fremantle but will join Geelong.
Potential Additions:Â Shai Bolton, Liam Baker
Potential Departures:Â -
Off-Contract Players: Tom Emmett, Odin Jones, Max Knobel
Draft Picks:10, 11, 18, 30, 66
The Cats are again making aggressive moves this off-season, with Western Bulldogs gun Bailey Smith expected to land at Kardinia Park after requesting a trade away from the Kennel. Geelong are also said to have met with contracted Melbourne star Clayton Oliver, who has garnered external interest for the second successive year, but a Demons departure now looks unlikely. Delisted Carlton forward Jack Martin has named Geelong as his next club and will join ahead of the pre-season.
Potential Additions:Â Bailey Smith, Clayton Oliver, Jack Martin
Potential Departures:Â -
Off-Contract Players: Jed Bews, Ted Clohesy, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Joe Furphy, Jake Kolodjashnij, Rhys Stanley
Draft Picks:Â 17, 38, 56, 74
The Suns could add more talent than what they're expected to lose this off-season, with the Damien Hardwick effect growing stronger. Ex-Tiger Daniel Rioli is seeking a move to Carrara and the Suns have the capital to please Richmond, while retired champion Dustin Martin's potential move north is in some doubt. Collingwood defender John Noble is keen to join the Suns, while Adelaide free agent Elliott Himmelberg has signed with Gold Coast as an unrestricted free agent.
Himmelberg's arrival comes as key forward Jack Lukosius plans to join Port Adelaide, with the Suns likely to gain a decent draft pick in return for the wantaway South Australian. Rory Atkins is said to be exploring his options but no suitor has emerged.
Potential Additions: Daniel Rioli, Dustin Martin, John Noble, Matt Owies
Potential Departures:Â Jack Lukosius, Rory Atkins
Off-Contract Players: Levi Casboult, Hewego Paul Oea, Alex Sexton, David Swallow
Draft Picks:Â 6, 13, 23, 29, 41, 49, 77
The Giants are showing late interest in Essendon's Jake Stringer, who is keen on a multi-year deal to extend his AFL career. The Swans are also eyeing Stringer who could help a contending club in 2025.
Most of GWS' business with their departing players has been done after Harry Perryman (Collingwood), Isaac Cumming (Adelaide) and Nick Haynes (Carlton) all found new homes via free agency, while unsigned midfielder James Peatling has requested a trade to Adelaide. Forward Conor Stone is also without a deal for next year and could find a new home, but may see a stronger chance of senior action with the aforementioned exits. Wade Derksen is seeking a move to Melbourne and Xavier O'Halloran has interest from the Western Bulldogs, but both players are now expected to be held to their contracts.
Potential Additions:Â Jake Stringer
Potential Departures:Â James Peatling, Conor Stone, Xavier O'Halloran, Wade Derksen
Off-Contract Players: Isaac Cumming, Josh Fahey, Nick Haynes, Lachlan Keeffe, Adam Kennedy, James Peatling, Harry Perryman, Conor Stone
Draft Picks: 15, 16, 21, 37, 52, 55, 73
The Hawks have managed to get their affairs in order already, with Josh Battle joining the club from St Kilda while Tom Barrass looks set to land at Waverley from West Coast. While Battle joined as an unrestricted free agent, Barrass will cost the Hawks their first-round pick at the very least.
Their arrivals have sparked external intrigue from Sydney and St Kilda for contracted backman Sam Frost, who is still viewed as a required player at Bunjil Bagora. Midfielder Finn Maginness has interest from circling clubs and could look elsewhere for better opportunities in the brown and gold.
Potential Additions:Â Tom Barrass
Potential Departures:Â Finn Maginness, Sam Frost
Off-Contract Players: Joshua Bennetts, Denver Grainger-Barras, Jack O'Sullivan, Ethan Phillips
Draft Picks:Â 14, 33, 70, 76
The Demons have signed cut St Kilda ruckman Tom Campbell as a free agent as a bargain purchase. Tehy've missed out on GWS midfielder James Peatling, while fellow GiantWade Derksen now looks likely to remain in NSW. Port Adelaide tall Ollie Lord is said to have interest from Melbourne and Collingwood but is most likely to remain at Alberton Oval.
The Demons will see premiership player Alex Neal-Bullen return to South Australia via a move to Adelaide over the coming week, while senior defender Adam Tomlinson could find a new home via free agency if a keen suitor emerges. Midfielder Clayton Oliver has again emerged as a player of interest to rival clubs, with Geelong reportedly speaking with the four-time best and fairest winner, but the Demons see hm staying.
Potential Additions: Wade Derksen, Ollie Lord, Matt Owies
Potential Departures:Â Alex Neal-Bullen, Clayton Oliver, Adam Tomlinson
Off-Contract Players: Marty Hore, Joel Smith, Adam Tomlinson
Draft Picks:Â 5, 40, 48, 53, 64
The Roos have not hidden from the fact they're keen to add experience to their emerging list, with West Coast veteran Jack Darling and Sydney's Luke Parker already confirming their plans to venture to Arden Street in 2024. Western Bulldogs utility Caleb Daniel could land at the Kangaroos should he wish to leave the Kennel. Port Adelaide's Dan Houston is another target for North Melbourne, who are reportedly open to parting with their future first-round pick to attain the two-time All-Australian.
Potential Additions:Â Daniel Houston, Jack Darling, Luke Parker, Caleb Daniel
Potential Departures:Â -
Off-Contract Players: Blake Drury, Cooper Harvey, Charlie Lazzaro
Draft Picks:Â 2, 25, 43, 61, 67
The Power are in line to secure former Pick 2 selection Jack Lukosius this trade period, with the Suns forward potentially costing Port Adelaide their future first-round pick. That draft capital could be made up for with the departure of Dan Houston, who has interest from Collingwood, Carlton, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. Magpie Joe Richards has an offer on the table from the Power, while Western Australian Riley Garcia could opt for a move to Port Adelaide over staying with the Bulldogs.
Houston and ruckman Ivan Soldo have both requested trades to Victoria and are likely to leave, but the Power will stand firm if deals for the contracted pair don't appease the club. Senior defender Tom Clurey has reported interest from West Coast, while young forward Ollie Lord has interest from Victoria but will likely be help to his contract.
Potential Additions:Â Joe Richards, Jack Lukosius, Riley Garcia
Potential Departures:Â Daniel Houston, Ivan Soldo, Tom Clurey, Ollie Lord
Off-Contract Players: Travis Boak, Francis Evans, Hugh Jackson, Kyle Marshall, Trent McKenzie, Quinton Narkle, Thomas Scully
Draft Picks:Â 39, 57
The Tigers shape as arguably the most pivotal club in this year's trade space, with star players all seeking moves across the country. Liam Baker is weighing up a move to WA, with West Coast viewed as the better chance over Fremantle. The Dockers are keen on Shai Bolton, who could net the Tigers multiple first-round picks, while Daniel Rioli might pocket Richmond Pick 6 from the Suns as he eyes a move north. Midfielder Jack Graham could depart via free agency and would net the Punt Road club compensation to further add to their draft hand.
Potential Additions:Â -
Potential Departures:Â Shai Bolton, Liam Baker, Daniel Rioli, Jack Graham
Off-Contract Players: Liam Baker, Mate Colina, Matt Coulthard, Noah Cumberland, Thomson Dow, Jack Graham, Oliver Hayes-Brown, Kamdyn McIntosh
Draft Picks:Â 1, 24, 32, 42, 44, 50, 60, 69, 75
The Saints are seen as a likely landing spot for Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo, who is eyeing a return to Victoria after swapping Richmond for Port Adelaide 12 months ago. Western Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae has reportedly requested a trade away from the Kennel and is most keen to join the Saints, who have been linked to key defenders Sam Frost and Adam Tomlinson.
That interest follows the confirmed departure of Josh Battle to Hawthorn, while unsigned pair Jack Hayes and Tim Membrey could have suitors too as they remain without deals for 2025.
Potential Additions:Â Ivan Soldo, Jack Macrae, Adam Tomlinson
Potential Departures: Jack Hayes, Tim Membrey
Off-Contract Players: Jack Hayes, Olli Hotton, Dougal Howard, Zak Jones, Tim Membrey, Liam O'Connell, Ben Paton
Draft Picks:Â 7, 8, 27, 46
The Swans had been linked to Essendon veteran Jake Stringer but have since gone cold on the Bombers livewire. Hawthorn defender Sam Frost has also been named as a player of interest for Sydney as they look to bolster their backline, but he too looks likely to remain in Victoria.
Former captain Luke Parker is expected to land at North Melbourne this trade period, while former first-round pick Jacob Konstanty could find a new home as he remains without a new contract and shouldn't be short of suitors.
Potential Additions:Â -
Potential Departures:Â Luke Parker, Jacob Konstanty
Off-Contract Players: Jack Buller, Aaron Francis, Tom Hanily, Jacob Konstanty, Lachlan McAndrew, Caleb Mitchell
Draft Picks:Â 19, 22, 58
With the appointment of Andrew McQualter as coach now confirmed, the Eagles can ramp up their list plans. The arrival of the former Richmond assistant could be the difference in their pursuit of Tigers duo Liam Baker and Jack Graham, who are both weighing up moves west. Western Bulldogs midfielder Riley Garcia and Carlton youngster Jack Carroll also have interest from the Eagles as they potentially return to WA, while contracted Brisbane onballer Deven Robertson could again be a player of interest after falling out of favour at the Lions this year. Port Adelaide defender Tom Clurey could fill a spot in McQualter's backline pecking order.
Trade requests from both Jack Darling and Tom Barrass have been confirmed by the Eagles, with the premiership pair to join North Melbourne and Hawthorn respectively. Defender Josh Rotham has been made to wait until after the trade period concludes to understand if he'll secure a new deal, with Essendon circling the unrestricted free agent.
Potential Additions:Â Jack Graham, Liam Baker, Riley Garcia, Deven Robertson, Jack Carroll, Tom Clurey, Matt Owies
Potential Departures:Â Jack Darling, Tom Barrass, Josh Rotham
Off-Contract Players: Coby Burgiel, Jai Culley, Luke Edwards, Josh Rotham, Alex Witherden
Draft Picks:Â 3, 26, 62
The Dogs are one of the four Victorian clubs most keen on Port Adelaide's Dan Houston, with the Footscray-based side likely requiring additional draft capital before being able to satisfy the Power in a trade deal. Fringe GWS ball winner Xavier O'Halloran is also in the sights of the Bulldogs as they look for midfield depth, but the Giants believe he'll be at the club in 2025.
That interest comes as Bailey Smith and Jack Macrae seek moves elsewhere, while Riley Garcia remains unsigned for 2025 and is also in the sights of others. Smith should pocket first-round draft access for the Dogs, which could be forwarded onto the Power along with other picks for Houston. Premiership utility Caleb Daniel is weighing up his future and has a potential suitor in North Melbourne.
Potential Additions:Â Daniel Houston, Xavier O'Halloran
Potential Departures:Â Bailey Smith, Jack Macrae, Riley Garcia
Off-Contract Players: Charlie Clarke, Riley Garcia, Jason Johannisen, Alex Keath, Bailey Smith
Draft Picks:Â 35, 47