AFL daily boards

Geelong traded pick 14 to land ruck Rowan Marshall; his role and ruck rotation there is unstated.

Geelong wanted to keep pick 14 but gave it up to land Rowan Marshall, leaving no early pick. "Out of respect to him, we just wanted to get him in," Andrew Mackie said. He called it a great thing for the club that Toby Greene, Jordan Ridley and Marshall "want to come."

Hayes says Sinclair comes back into the team at halfback. The timing isn't specified.

Jack Sinclair is St Kilda's answer to the halfback links. "Jack Sinclair comes back into the team. He's one of the best halfbacks in the comp," Lenny Hayes said. With picks 10, 16 and 41, the Saints will mix "taking best available" with addressing list needs.

Blakey's wish to leave was real and a North Melbourne deal brought pick 6; his new role is unstated.

Nick Blakey's wish to leave proved "a bit more real than we first realised", Sydney's Chris Keane said. The North Melbourne deal brought pick 6, and Keane is "really comfortable just sitting there, but we're open to all options", including packaging picks to move higher.

Blakey's move to North Melbourne is agreed, so his club changes. No role or position is stated.

Nick Blakey chose North Melbourne, Brady Rawlings said, and a deal is done with Sydney on an eight-year offer. The board signed off on the money, tenure and first-round picks. Blakey asked to meet North among other clubs, and the family link "went in our favour."

Kingsley wants more than half a season from Daniels, Taylor and Buckley; Green and Jones returning matters. Hedged, long-term.

GWS let experienced players go to open gaps for younger players, Adam Kingsley says, and he wants more than half a season each from Brent Daniels, Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley. Getting Tom Green and Darcy Jones back after missing all year is "really important".

Small forwards Angove, Gothard, Hannaford, Hamilton and Delana are in line for front-half spots; no single player is named as winning one.

Small forwards are in line for the spots opening in GWS's front half. Adam Kingsley named Cody Angove, Phoenix Gothard, Oliver Hannaford, Riley Hamilton and Joey Delana: Hamilton "had a significant impact" and Delana was "really strong in the last month of the season."

Whitfield's defensive spot is open; Leake, Oliver and especially Taylor are candidates, but the coach is unsure who.

Who replaces Lachie Whitfield in GWS's defence is open. Adam Kingsley named James Leake, Harry Oliver and particularly Oskar Taylor: "one of those boys particularly will stand up, and I'm not sure who it'll be yet." Players return for pre-season in early November.

Carlton wants another ruck after losing young rucks, so ruck depth and selection are open; no named player.

Landing Lachie Whitfield was Carlton's priority, football boss Chris Davies said, but the club "will want to bring in another ruck" after losing a couple of young rucks, through free agency or the draft. He chose big list changes over "a bit of hoping": "take the punt."

Bedendo described as 'probably ready-made' for AFL level, a hedged hint he could play early.

Nathan O'Driscoll wanted to weigh his options, and Fremantle "had to continue to move on and make other decisions on other players," Joe Brierty said of the Richmond trade. The extra pick let them move fast on ex-Bulldog Dominic Bedendo, "probably ready-made" for AFL level.

Roberts, Bice and Lloyd can cover Blakey's roles. Cox decides, so usage is not yet set.

Matthew Roberts, Riley Bice and Jake Lloyd can play Nick Blakey's roles now he's at North Melbourne, Sydney's Chris Keane said, leaving the call to Dean Cox. He added that Harry Kyle, Will Edwards, Jesse Dattoli and Billy Cootee "were able to step in and look at the level".

Rampe's decision on continuing is pending for a couple of weeks. Availability next season is uncertain.

Dane Rampe still hasn't made his call. "Dane's still away... He'll come back and make that decision over the next couple of weeks," Sydney's Chris Keane said. The club went into the trade period "focusing on retaining a lot of the talent that we had."

Lamb expects McLaughlin to add a fair bit to Melbourne's front half; vague role signal.

Will McLaughlin's move from Brisbane to Melbourne ended "reasonably close to what we'd originally offered," Tim Lamb said, and he expects McLaughlin to add a fair bit to the front half. Lamb admitted he spent much of deadline day thinking the deals might fall over.

Hawthorn sees 195cm rookie Purcell as a number 2 or 3 defender; a role signal, not selection.

Ollie Purcell, a former Australian water polo representative, has joined Hawthorn as a Category B rookie, beating interest from other clubs. Mark McKenzie said: "he comes to us as a 195 centimetre back. So we see him as a number 2, number 3 back."

Allan has 'great scope' for more West Coast midfield time; some veterans may move to other roles.

Bo Allan has "great scope" to go through West Coast's midfield, Matt Clarke said, as young players get more time there around Harley Reid. "A couple of those veterans may end up playing some other roles through there as we continue to expose those guys."

Viney traded in to add physicality and pressure to West Coast's young midfield; likely midfield role, not explicit.

West Coast's Jack Viney trade with Melbourne is done, though Matt Clarke said it "went along a lot longer than what we wanted". With Jeremy McGovern and Jamie Cripps retired, Viney adds experience, and his "physicality and his pressure" will back Harley Reid's young midfield.

With Marshall gone, Dodson is looking to step up in the ruck; hedged, no definite role stated.

Alex Dodson will be "looking to take a step up" with Rowan Marshall gone to Geelong. Lenny Hayes said Marshall was "keen to hold down that number 1 ruck mantle" at St Kilda rather than share with Tom De Koning. Geelong "didn't want to part with" Sam De Koning, Hayes said.

King finished rehab and is conditioning; Hayes expects him playing next year but hedges with 'fingers crossed'.

Max King has finished his rehab block and is conditioning. Lenny Hayes said "fingers crossed" but "I'm sure that we're going to see him out there next year." St Kilda skipped an established senior player to keep its first-round picks: "our growth is going to come internally."

With Marshall and Blicavs in the ruck, Neale probably stays forward more; hedged.

Geelong tried to get a future pick back from St Kilda in the Rowan Marshall deal, but it was too compelling to hold out, list boss Andrew Mackie said. With Marshall and Mark Blicavs in the ruck, "it probably allows Shannon Neale to just stay at home more as a forward."

McCartney wants youngsters (Angove, Oliver, Taylor) in departed players' roles; opportunities signalled, not guaranteed. Gothard returns from injury.

Phoenix Gothard, injured two-thirds into last season, returns for GWS with Tom Green and Darcy Jones. Jason McCartney wants youngsters in the departed players' roles: "we need to provide those opportunities." He named Cody Angove and halfbacks Harry Oliver and Oskar Taylor.

Kelly's readiness for round one is uncertain; slow progress after major surgery, timelines indefinite.

Asked if Josh Kelly will be ready for the start of the season, GWS's Jason McCartney wouldn't commit: "the timelines are a bit indefinite at the moment." Kelly is running but progressing slowly, just over 12 months after major surgery, with checks before and after Christmas.

Fletcher moving from half-back to midfield is a viable option for the new coach; not decided.

Jaspa Fletcher moving from half-back into Brisbane's midfield is "a viable option for whoever the new coach and his panel is to discuss," list boss Dom Ambrogio said. Darcy Wilmot could too. Dan Annable comes into the mix, and Bruce Reville "can come in and play wing."

Ashcroft is ready to step up in the midfield; Tunstill looking to go inside more; coach decides.

Brisbane's midfield succession will be decided by a senior coach the club has yet to name. "It will be the coach's call, whoever that is," list boss Dom Ambrogio said. Levi Ashcroft is "ready to step up", and James Tunstill is "looking to go inside more".

Anderson could spend more time in Collingwood's midfield, a hedged role signal that may lift his disposals.

Angus Anderson could spend more time in Collingwood's midfield, list boss Justin Leppitsch said, naming Sam Swadling, Tyan Prindable and Edward Allan among the young mids coming through. With the game more positionally flexible, coaches plan to redeploy players too.

Riley sits behind Cameron in the ruck but may have impact next year; hedged selection signal.

Collingwood missed ruckman Flynn Riley in the mid-season draft but traded for him when his interest held. Justin Leppitsch says Riley is body ready but sits behind Darcy Cameron: "it's more of a long-term play, but it wouldn't surprise me if Flynn has impact next year."

Neale recruited to fix clearance weakness; implies midfield role and heavy inside usage, though not explicit.

"We get 3 of our 4 deals done, we've improved our list," Collingwood list boss Justin Leppitsch said after landing Lachie Neale and Jesse Hogan without giving up high picks. Neale is the clearance fix: "we're AFL 17 in that space, so we wanted to fix that instantly."

Maginness brought in to replace Liberatore's hard edge; also may be damaging in the front half.

Finn Maginness was brought in to replace the "uncompromising edge" the Western Bulldogs lost when Tom Liberatore retired, list boss Michael Regan says. The Hawthorn recruit also showed in the VFL this year that he can be damaging in the front half.

A different defensive system might unlock more ball use and offence from Butts; hedged and unspecific.

Jordon Butts was recruited for "that one-on-one defending and an ability to halve contests", Western Bulldogs list boss Michael Regan says, but a slightly different defensive system might unlock more of the free agent's ball use and offence.

O'Keeffe to provide ruck and forward aerial presence; body concerns noted, so availability is uncertain.

Hudson O'Keeffe "ripped us apart" late in the year, but the Western Bulldogs were already tracking him, list boss Michael Regan says. The Carlton recruit "brings some aerial presence for us in the ruck and up forward," though Regan conceded his body has frustrated him lately.

Mackie backs Marshall and Edwards as the two-ruck pairing; Conway's injury history suggests fewer ruck minutes for him.

Toby Conway has "had a bit of injuries the last couple of years," Geelong's Andrew Mackie said, and the club would love him to get a good run. Mackie backed Rowan Marshall and 21-year-old Mitchell Edwards as a two-ruck pairing: "5 on the bench really helps that."

King returns to the St Kilda forward line with Owens and Sharman; the 'complement' talk is a loose structure signal.

Max King returns to St Kilda's forward line alongside Mitch Owens and Cooper Sharman, and Lenny Hayes said "they'll complement each other." Down back, Hayes named Jack Silvagni and Callum Wilkie as key defenders and said "Alix Tauru can complement those 2 key position guys."

Riley says he left Carlton purely for opportunity, implying more senior games at Collingwood, but gives no specifics.

Flynn Riley on leaving Carlton for Collingwood: "I would have liked to stay at the Blues... it was just purely for that opportunity reason." Talks with Justin Leppitsch and Shane O'Bree meant "it just felt right to come to Collingwood in the end."

Demattia is unlikely to move and must work to win back his Collingwood spot. His selection is uncertain.

Harry Demattia asked Collingwood for a new opportunity, but Justin Leppitsch said he's unlikely to find a club this trade period: "next thing to him is to work hard and find his spot back into the team." No club has shown interest in Jordan De Goey either: "not as yet."

McGinnis moved seeking regular senior football at the Bulldogs, implying more games, but nothing is guaranteed.

Finn McGinnis told Hawthorn in his exit meeting he was "keen to find some more opportunities to play regular senior footy", Rob McCartney said of his move to the Western Bulldogs. McGinnis has since texted thanking the club and saying how much he loved it.

Lobb can play three integral roles, a position-flexibility hint with no specifics; English staying put.

"Not even for a second." Western Bulldogs list boss Michael Regan on whether trading Timothy English was considered. Rory Lobb stays too: contracted and "able to play three pretty integral roles". Finn Maginness adds midfield toughness; Jordon Butts frees up the back half.

Full-time midfield move earned Rankine's new deal, implying he stays in the midfield with higher disposal volume.

Izak Rankine's full-time move into the midfield is what earned his five-year deal to 2032, Adelaide's Jarryd Roughead said. "From the mid-season point of the year onwards, you would say arguably he was... one of the top 5 players in the competition."

Viney to West Coast is 'pretty close' but not locked, and Melbourne hasn't agreed. He would likely join the midfield.

Jack Viney to West Coast is "pretty close" but "nothing locked away as yet", Matt Clarke said. Melbourne still has to agree, and he wants it done early in the trade period's final five days. The pitch: "help us on field, but also accelerate the development of our young guys".

Marshall wants a strong pre-season to be fit for round 1 after being banged up; hedged, long-term.

Rowan Marshall's trade from St Kilda to Geelong is done. He said he's been "pretty banged up" the last couple of years and wants a strong pre-season to be fit for round 1. He asked for a trade last year and called the move "a fresh start, both for me and for the club."

Nick Murray stays at Adelaide after a rejected trade offer; list management with no effect on a specific game.

Nick Murray stays at Adelaide. Adam Kelly said North Melbourne's offer was strong, but with Jordan Butts gone the Crows would not thin their tall defenders further: "we're in a win-now phase... we weren't going to jeopardize our opportunity to win next year."

Sinclair was out for the back half of the year with a calf injury; praise and background only.

Lachie Whitfield, Jayden Short and Dan Houston came up, but St Kilda didn't pivot after missing halfback Nick Blakey, Lenny Hayes said. He rates Jack Sinclair, out for the back half of the year with a serious calf injury, "the second greatest small defender in the competition".

GWS interest in English was shut down by the Bulldogs; trade talk only.

GWS's interest in Tim English "was shut down inside a week," Jason McCartney said of the Western Bulldogs: "There's no way the Dogs are going to entertain it." The Giants will still stay open to asking English's management questions again, he said.

Coniglio gets another year at GWS; contract news with no role change specified.

Stephen Coniglio gets another year at GWS, even as four of the experienced players who left will be 32 or older next year. Jason McCartney on why Coniglio stayed: "he was clear he was keen to play on. And also, his back end of the season form was really pleasing."

Short stays at Richmond after a Collingwood deal fell through; no stated role change.

Jayden Short stays at Richmond: the Collingwood deal "never even really got close", Blair Hartley said. He wanted out over his young family, his place in the side and his form. "He's 30, he's not 50. He's still got a heap of good footy." Short's been fined in the group chat.

Jayden Short trade to Collingwood failed over list and cap; recruitment recap only.

Jayden Short isn't coming to Collingwood. Justin Leppitsch said a future second-round pick was offered and more discussed, but list spots and the salary cap got tighter once Lachie Neale and Jesse Hogan were locked in: "unfortunately we couldn't appease what Richmond wanted."

Recap of his knee return and 11 games played; says he is exhausted but gives no availability or role change.

"I don't actually really know how I got back, like, in a way, with where my knee got to." Cody Weightman set out to play one game for the Western Bulldogs this year after his knee injury and played 11. He said he is "pretty exhausted" after years without much of a break.

Viney discusses leaving Melbourne and joining West Coast; says he's confident in his body, but no role or availability change.

Jack Viney on Melbourne letting him go: "a new coach wanted to go in a different direction... I can respect the decision whilst I might not understand." He's "really confident in my body" after a disrupted year, and spoke to Essendon, but the Eagles were his first choice.

Coaching staff changes and a vague wish for a finals-competitive game style; no named player or stat market.

Adam Read and Ryan Burton join GWS's coaching group, with a couple of line coaches changing. Adam Kingsley wants "a game style that gives us an opportunity to compete in finals." On the new first-round picks: "we want to get into this draft. It's a strong draft."

Coleman wants more AFL games after injuries, but no stated role or selection change.

Keidean Coleman on joining Essendon: "At 26, I feel as though I just need to be playing more AFL games." After a hamstring and a concussion he played VFL at Brisbane. He didn't think the deal would go through. Coach Mark McVeigh won him over asking after his kids and partner.

Hawks see Goddard as a long-term rebounder or set defender if his body holds; a trade recap.

Hawthorn's deal with North Melbourne for Josh Goddard ended up costing a future third-round pick. "We're happy with that," Mark McKenzie said. The Hawks see him developing into a rebounding or set defender, "if we can get his body right to play consistent footy."

List-building strategy and long-term trade targets; no effect on any player's role or availability.

West Coast kept picks to chase a second top draft selection during peak trading, list boss Matt Clarke said. More premiership players like Jack Viney and Trent Rivers are the aim: "We've still got some targets over the next 12 months, 24 months, 36 months."

Trade-period and list strategy talk; no player role or availability change for any game.

"With Tassie coming in, it's really important for us to go to the draft," Joe Brierty said of Fremantle's quiet trade period. The club handed out long-term contracts so the group can "contend for a sustained period"; only two or three on the list have played over 200 games.

Trade and recruitment talk plus coaching staff changes; no on-field role or availability signal.

Bobby Hill is "off the table," Fremantle's Joe Brierty said. Chad Warner, a West Australian free agent next year, is not: "if Chad's looking to explore coming home, we'll definitely engage." Tendai Mzungu and Nathan Broad join the coaches after Adam Reid and Jamie Graham left.

Draft and list-spot rationale for Sydney; no effect on player selection or stat markets.

No player came back for Nick Blakey: "list spots is clearly one, going to the draft is another," Sydney's Chris Keane said. They wanted an early pick "before the Tassie concessions kicked in", and it opens free agency, which they "haven't really been active in" for a decade.

Duursma training with new club and told to work hard; no stated role or selection change.

Zane Duursma is already running with his new Melbourne teammates after his trade from North Melbourne. "Doesn't have to be a star, he just has to... work really hard, get himself super fit," Tim Lamb said, adding Duursma has shown real commitment to driving his own career.

Trade recap on Rivers, Viney and Ryan; praise of Ryan but no role detail.

Trent Rivers and Jack Viney went to West Coast as one package. Melbourne was open to splitting them, Tim Lamb said, but "we were happy to keep them together." Bodie Ryan's deadline-day move from Hawthorn hinged on the Rivers deal: "He was nice and tough... he's a good kick."

Recruitment assessment of Hill and Warner; no selection or role change stated.

Bobby Hill is in the mix for West Coast's new Category B First Nations rookie spot. Matt Clarke: "he'll be just another one of those guys that we'll assess." On Trent Rivers' mate Chad Warner: "Chad's very happy where he is in Sydney... we'll continue to assess him."

Recap of how Greene's trade approach started; no role or availability information.

Toby Greene's move to Geelong started early, with Simon Murphy calling his manager, Paul Connors. The Cats didn't speak to Greene himself until a couple of weeks after his season ended. Andrew Mackie: "Jeremy Cameron playing at our club helps with a Toby Greene discussion."

Draft pick strategy after Tasmania's entry; no player-level betting impact.

Tasmania's entry shaped Hawthorn's trade period: Mark McKenzie said protecting the next 2 drafts was the second priority. "To be able to keep our presence in the first round and then enhance our second rounds over the next 2 years was a great result for us."

Recruitment recap citing King's 60-plus goals over three years; no stated role change.

Hawthorn's number one priority was high-end talent, Mark McKenzie said, and it landed Zachary Merrett, traded from Essendon on the first official day of the trade period, and free agent Ben King: "He's kicked 60-plus goals over the last 3 years."

Pedlar's move to Port Adelaide and past selection record; no specific upcoming role stated.

Luke Pedlar has crossed from Adelaide to Port Adelaide on a three-year deal. Adelaide's Adam Kelly said that after his injury setbacks "I think he needed a fresh start", and that when fit, Pedlar had usually made the Crows' best 23.

Trent Rivers signs as a free agent and is praised as durable; no role or availability detail for a game.

Trent Rivers, 25, joins West Coast as a free agent, targeted as a mid-age player for a list that ended the season with 21 under-21s. Matt Clarke said he's durable and has "at least 5, 6, 7 years of really good footy" ahead. Next: pick 3, and list decisions to open up picks.

Praise for Maginness's running; the Kennedys 'started to appear' in the midfield late in the year is a recap, not a stated change.

Finn Maginness has "2-way running power at speed" "in spades", Western Bulldogs list boss Michael Regan says, though "months might be a bit strong" for how long the chase ran. Matthew and Luke Kennedy "started to appear" in the midfield late in the year, he said.

Darcy's rehab is on schedule with light running; no return date, and it's the offseason.

Sam Darcy has "done a tiny bit of running" and, as far as Western Bulldogs list boss Michael Regan knows, his rehab is "tracking along as scheduled". Darcy was in for rehab every day, and Regan thinks he is now at Oktoberfest in Germany.

Ridley's injury history is a risk, but no specific availability for an upcoming game is stated.

Jordan Ridley has played 26 games in three years, and Geelong list boss Andrew Mackie admits that's a risk. "There's not exact science to that. There is a bit of a punt on it." He's betting a fresh start helps Ridley's body, with extra strength work already bringing gains.

Contract and re-signing talk for Lohmann. No effect on selection or role in any game.

Kai Lohmann is now Brisbane's re-signing focus. He's loved it at the Lions, list boss Dom Ambrogio said, but: "I don't want to be overconfident. That doesn't usually work out too well. But look, he's a super player. They'll be interested in him, no doubt."

List management and cap talk about departures. No role or availability change for any named player.

Brisbane list boss Dom Ambrogio admitted the club "weren't overly convincing" trying to keep Sam Marshall. The plan was building its draft hand, so it had to be flexible on depth players like Coleman and McLachlan "to hit this draft. You need to do that to manage your cap."

Draft pick count and ladder reflection. Only general recruitment fit with the coach's game plan.

Two first-round picks in hand at the end of the trade period. "To think we finished where we did on the ladder... is an outstanding result for the club," Melbourne's Tim Lamb said. The emphasis has been on players who fit coach Steven King's game.

Recruitment backstory on Duursma and McLaughlin joining. No stated role, position or selection change.

Zane Duursma rang Melbourne himself. "He rang us saying, I want to come to your footy club," Tim Lamb said; it hadn't quite worked out at North. Brisbane's Will McLaughlin, stuck behind others, joins too, rated "the most talented player... not playing regular AFL footy."

Viney's move to West Coast explained. It is a past trade with no role detail.

Melbourne told Jack Viney straight how it saw his playing future. "We wanted to be really honest with Jack and give him that information," Tim Lamb said. Viney then made inquiries with other clubs and chose West Coast, where he felt he could add extra value.

Trade explained as draft-hand flexibility. No player role or availability information.

The trade with Brisbane was about keeping flexibility, Western Bulldogs list boss Michael Regan says: "We were able to do that trade that gives us a little bit of a better draft hand this year, whether that's for bidding matching or picking players, time will tell."

No trade talks for Vandermeer, with vague hope he improves next year. No concrete role change.

Laitham Vandermeer explored his options, but Western Bulldogs list boss Michael Regan says there were no talks on 14 October. "We look forward to Laitham getting the bit between the teeth and becoming the best version of himself next year."

Recruitment process recap on O'Keeffe, Maginness and Butters. No role or selection detail.

Hudson O'Keeffe and Finn Maginness weren't Plan B: Bulldogs list boss Michael Regan says "we were well advanced in conversations with them before Zak actually made his choice." Landing Zak Butters took everyone from Luke Beveridge to the president: "everyone played their part."

Recap of trade talks with Blakey; no effect on availability or role in a game.

Nick Blakey and Geelong barely got started. Cats list boss Andrew Mackie said talks with Blakey were "pretty short... we spoke to Robbie and Nick briefly, but it sort of quickly morphed into the Kangaroos deal was pretty significant."

Trade-period recap about acquiring Toby Greene as a free agent; no role or availability detail.

Toby Greene was the easy one of three. Geelong list boss Andrew Mackie said the Cats had all three targets locked in before the trade period: "Obviously, Toby was easier being the unrestricted free agent." As a free agent, he cost no trade.

Miers and De Koning staying at Geelong; list management background, no stated role change.

Gryan Miers stays at Geelong. List boss Andrew Mackie said the Cats didn't shut down West Coast's interest at once, out of respect to Miers; Essendon talk "didn't even get to that stage". Another club asked about Sam De Koning: "he's too good to not be in our team."

Future free agency targeting of Rowell; no effect on upcoming games.

Matt Rowell is a 2027 free agency target for Geelong, Andrew Mackie said – "one of a few." How the Rowan Marshall and Jordan Ridley deals were done leaves the Cats "well positioned" for free agents, he said. Marshall, on a three-year deal, may have "6 or 7 years of footy left."

General list strategy; draftees mostly in VFL, no named player or market effect.

"We don't want empty stands." Collingwood will never bottom out, list boss Justin Leppitsch said: the aim is to "win consistently whilst... nabbing a flag along the journey." Draftees will develop mainly in the VFL for a year or two, with a sprinkling of AFL games.

Trade recap: Short not coming to Collingwood; no role or availability change.

Jayden Short isn't coming, and Collingwood's Justin Leppitsch says Richmond weren't unreasonable; the Magpies were partly at fault. After missing Zac Butters, he says the club is "in a position to go again for that type of player" next year, and may re-rookie some players.

De Goey contract talk with no commitment; no effect on selection or role.

Jordan De Goey's name came up in trades because his manager wants a long-term deal, Collingwood's Justin Leppitsch said: "not one club came to us." Asked if the club can give that security in his contract year, he didn't commit, saying Tasmania's entry has changed a lot.

Draft targeting at pick 11 for long-term development; no near-term betting effect.

At pick 11, Collingwood would target "a top-end inside mid" or a key-position player to develop by 2029-30, Justin Leppitsch said, though it isn't settled. The club kept its early picks, and he's "pretty confident we'll get not just one, but 2 or 3 really good players."

Draft and pick strategy to possibly match a bid for El-Souki; no role or availability change.

Western Bulldogs list boss Michael Regan says the club's hand of future picks lets it read and react on draft night, and possibly in the pick swap period, so "we might be able to position ourselves to match Khaled" El-Souki if a rival bids on him.

Miers 'not very close' to a Bulldogs trade and contracted for years; status quo, no role change.

Gryan Miers was "not very close" to a Bulldogs trade, Geelong's Andrew Mackie said, despite "some interest". He's contracted for a couple of years. Contract and draft-pick terms, not Nick Blakey's past, ended the Cats' interest once North Melbourne moved fast, Mackie said.

Hartley praises Zac Bell and notes off-field staff changes; no confirmed move or role information.

"Zac's a star. Once he was interested in us, of course we were going to be interested in him." Blair Hartley on Richmond chasing Zac Bell, who missed the club's best this year due to personnel and form. New arrivals Selwyn Griffith and Brett Ratten: "positive off-field changes".

Draft pick strategy talk about picks 2 and 5; no player role or availability information.

"We're excited about having picks 2 and 5 and getting ahead of Tasmania taking all the picks away from us." Richmond's Blair Hartley on why the club moved into this year's draft, before academy, father-son and Tasmania access shrink its pool further.

St Kilda draft-pick and trade strategy; no clear role or availability change for a named player.

St Kilda were "really hell-bent" on a first-round pick for Rowan Marshall, Lenny Hayes said. Paying a future first for Brisbane's Sam Marshall was partly about Tasmania's entry compromising next year's draft: "that first-round draft pick will get pushed out."

Draft access and pick swap talk; Hartley did not say whether pick 2 is a small forward or ruck.

"That's 38 out of 46 we're sitting at looking like we can't get access to." Blair Hartley, on the Futures game and Richmond's pick swap with Port Adelaide, who prize next year's picks for father-son and academy access. Pick 2: small forward or ruckman? He didn't say.

Hedged comment on North Melbourne's draft picks covering a trade; no betting-relevant role or availability detail.

Asked whether North Melbourne have the draft picks to cover Aidan, the answer from GWS Giants' media availability was a hedge: "I think they're all covered. I think he's part of the plans. I don't know for sure."

GWS pick 9 may move and a Nick Murray swap is nearly dead; draft logistics only.

Pick 9 could still move: asked about Port Adelaide's pick 7, GWS's Jason McCartney said their hand gives "a bit of flexibility" up to draft night. A North Melbourne swap tied to Nick Murray is all but dead; it needed to be compelling as "we're not there to help other clubs."

List and draft strategy plus contract aims for Green and Ash; nothing on role or selection.

Tasmania's entry compromises next year's draft, so GWS let some players go to open spots for the current group and bank on this year's, Jason McCartney said. Next: Tom Green and Lachlan Ash. He wants "at least one" re-signed before Christmas, both by early next season.

Trade and free-agency recap (Greene, Whitfield) with draft picks; no stated role or availability change for a game.

Toby Greene took up free agency and Lachie Whitfield went to Carlton for no first-rounder, which GWS's Jason McCartney called "the best deal that's been done with a 32-year-old or plus player." Giants hold picks 9, 20, 26 and 59: "we needed more assets in this year's draft."

Recruitment talk on Schubert and Butler fitting Hardwick's system; no concrete role or stat-market detail.

Aidan Schubert was "certainly a priority" once Ben King looked set to exercise his free agency, Gold Coast's Kall Burns said, a fit for Damien Hardwick's system. Sam Butler joins him from Hawthorn. "That was it for us." At pick 8, he expects "a really good player."

St Kilda moved on from Blakey, who is likely headed to North Melbourne; trade talk only.

Nick Blakey met St Kilda as a possible running defender alongside Jack Sinclair and Brad Hill, but Lenny Hayes said the Saints moved on: "he's a fair way down the track with North Melbourne." Asked about moving up or splitting picks 10 and 16, Hayes didn't commit.

Re-signing priorities for Wanganeen-Milera and Hall with no timeframe; contract talk only.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Max Hall "are obviously priorities for us," St Kilda's Lenny Hayes said of re-signing the pair. He's happy with initial discussions, but asked whether Wanganeen-Milera could commit before round 1, Hayes gave no timeframe.

Rowan Marshall trade completed with Sam Marshall also in; no role or usage detail given.

St Kilda have completed the Rowan Marshall trade with Geelong, done early to give him comfort. "We spoke to him about dealing in good faith, but we wanted something fair in return. We feel like we got that," Lenny Hayes said. With Sam Marshall in, "that's us done."

Whitfield explains his move to Carlton, mentioning a fast, free-flowing game plan; general praise and context.

"It's the biggest club in the land... I thought it was a no-brainer in the end." Lachie Whitfield on leaving the Giants for Carlton: the crowds, the MCG, last year's finals run and Josh Fraser's fast, free-flowing game plan. He spoke to Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh first.

Recruitment background on how Neale and Hogan talks began; no immediate selection or role effect stated.

Talks with Lachie Neale began close to 12 months ago and with Jesse Hogan around mid-year, Collingwood's Justin Leppitsch said: "This club's got a good history of getting Brownlow medallist in their early 30s in... So we figured we'd do it again."

Trade talk: Short to Collingwood called unlikely, not ruled out. Offseason list matter with no game effect.

Jayden Short to Collingwood? "It's not off, no, but it's unlikely," Justin Leppitsch said. A list spot isn't the obstacle; satisfying Richmond is, and that got harder once Jesse Hogan committed to the Magpies. The sticking point is what Collingwood would have to give up.

Trade update on Flynn Riley deal and Houston staying in 2027; no near-term game or role effect.

The Flynn Riley deal with Carlton is close: "Just a couple of little tinkering things and that's it," Collingwood's Justin Leppitsch said. He denied shopping Dan Houston, saying he never had "one conversation" about him and Houston will "absolutely" be there in 2027.

Trade talks for Goddard are early with no concrete deal; no game-level effect.

Talks with North Melbourne over Josh Goddard are "respectful conversations, but probably nothing sort of concrete around what the deal might look like", Hawthorn's Rob McCartney said. Asked if North would want pick 37, he said Hawthorn may look more at future picks.

Explains Schubert and Butler leaving after Merrett and King arrived; depth and opportunity comments are general background.

Landing Zach Merrett and Ben King is why Aidan Schubert and Sam Butler went to Gold Coast, Hawthorn's Rob McCartney said: it "leads to conversations about our depth and players maybe wanting greater opportunity." With Calsher Dear re-signed, Schubert would still be developing.

List strategy and draft focus; O'Keeffe to develop with the young core, with no concrete role change.

Tasmania lets the Bulldogs "zig a little bit this year" and "maybe zag in the next couple of years and bank some extra picks", list boss Michael Regan says, eyeing the 2027 and 2028 drafts. Recruiting focus: ages 22 to 27; Hudson O'Keeffe will develop with the young core.

Contract and risk commentary on Butters signing; Vandermeer trade interest only. No role or availability change.

Zach Butters is a Western Bulldog on a long-term, big-money deal. List boss Michael Regan: "Is this a risk? Yes. Is it a calculated risk? Absolutely." Laitham Vandermeer has drawn no firm inquiries, but the club would assess a fair-value offer if he wants a fresh start.

Trade and draft talk about Pedlar and pick 13; nothing definite, no role or availability effect.

Adelaide and Port may talk Luke Pedlar's move in coming days, Jarryd Roughead said, but Port want to pick it up later. Holding pick 13, the Crows hope to trade up as it's "our last chance to get some draft picks before these compromised drafts" with Tasmania. It may not happen.

Murray trade described as a long shot, with no talks since North's offer. No role change.

North Melbourne's offer for Nick Murray has met silence. Adelaide's Jarryd Roughead said the Crows have had no conversations with the Kangaroos since it landed, and that a deal is a long shot: "to entertain this, um, you know, it's more unlikely than likely."

Williams and Hall contract decisions wait until after the trade period. No selection effect yet.

Out-of-contract Jack Williams and Clay Hall will have to wait until after the trade period, when West Coast assesses its list spots, Matt Clarke said. He admitted the uncertainty is hard on them and their families: "So it'll be a wait through the trade period for those guys."

Rivers hasn't said he wants to move to West Coast, and talks with Melbourne are weak. Speculative.

Trent Rivers "still hasn't indicated he actually wants to make that move" to West Coast, Matt Clarke said, and the Eagles haven't had strong dialogue with Melbourne. Clarke called it separate from the Viney deal; Rivers' age profile suits the club, but there's a bit to play out.