Bulldogs lead the way as 30 players move in AFL trade shuffle
Thirty players will wear new colours in 2027.
The 2026 AFL trade period finished with 23 trades and seven free agency moves, according to ABC. That is the official window when clubs can swap contracted players and draft picks. Free agency, for out-of-contract players who can choose a new club without a trade being agreed, ran first.
The AFL lists the Free Agency Period as October 2 to October 9, 2026, and the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period as October 5 to October 14, 2026. The dealing closed on October 14, with clubs now turning to next month's national draft.
No club shopped harder than the Western Bulldogs. They brought in four new players, the most of any club. The headliner was Zak Butters, who arrived as a free agent. Defender Jordon Butts also joined the Bulldogs.
Geelong went big too. The Cats picked up Toby Greene, Jordan Ridley and Rowan Marshall. Three proven senior players in one sitting is rare. It gives Geelong new options at both ends of the ground and in the ruck, the set-piece contest that restarts play after a goal.
Hawthorn added firepower of its own. The Hawks landed Zach Merrett and Ben King. Hawthorn also did a pick-swap deal with the Western Bulldogs on October 9, trading future selection slots in the draft order.
North Melbourne made the boldest single play. The Kangaroos traded for Sydney forward Nick Blakey. No club this century has given up more draft pick value for one player.
That deal hurt Sydney. The Swans lost both Blakey and Joel Amartey. Greater Western Sydney had a heavier exit list, losing Greene, Jesse Hogan, Kieren Briggs and Lachie Whitfield.
The veteran movement caught the eye. Lachie Neale, Scott Pendlebury, Hogan, Greene, Butters, Marshall and King all found new clubs. Steele Sidebottom retired among the period's departures, while Luke Pedlar also departed.
What makes this stand out is the spread. Big names moved, but depth moved too. For fans, this means November's draft will decide the final grade.
