Geelong lands Ridley as Blakey trade watch grows

Geelong has landed Essendon defender Jordan Ridley in a trade that sends Jack Bowes the other way.

The Cats confirmed the swap on Thursday, October 8, during the AFL's annual trade period, the set window when clubs can exchange players and draft picks — essentially future selection slots. Geelong receives Ridley, pick 60 and a 2028 fourth-round pick. Essendon receives Bowes, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick, according to ABC News.

It is a straight needs deal. Geelong adds an intercept defender at the peak of his career. Essendon adds run and draft capital for the next two years.

The timing matters. Less than a week remained before the trade window closed as of October 8, which usually forces clubs to move from talk to paperwork.

The next big watch is Sydney defender Nick Blakey. Blakey is contracted with the Swans through 2031, but he made clear in the month before October that he would consider a move away from Sydney following the Pullman Hotel scandal, according to AFL.com.au.

Blakey was set to canvas rival options and meet interested clubs in Melbourne in early October. Essendon, St Kilda and Geelong had registered preliminary interest, and league coverage on October 8 put total interest at five clubs.

Sydney has shown no sign of letting him go. As of early October there was no indication the Swans would agree to a trade, and football boss Leon Cameron had earlier dismissed the reports as speculation.

Sydney also has reservations about one destination in particular. Reporter Tom Morris, cited by the ABC on October 8, said the Swans were reluctant to send Blakey to Geelong because the Cats are direct premiership rivals.

North Melbourne is the latest club to enter the frame. The Kangaroos said they would look at a move for Blakey if he formally requests a trade, citing strong family ties to the club, according to AFL.com.au.

Elsewhere, Gold Coast was expected to receive pick seven as compensation for Ben King — an extra draft pick awarded when a club loses a player under free agency rules. The opening days of the period were quieter, with three deals completed by October 5 and two Collingwood deals confirmed on the opening Monday. Former Melbourne captain Jack Viney also took a step towards a rival club on day one.

For fans, this means the shape of next season is being set now. Ridley to Geelong is done. Blakey is the name that will decide the final days.