Full Breakdown
2025 AFL Trade and Free Agency Period: Key Insights and Developments
9/29/2025, 12:05:43 PM
Overview of the Trade and Free Agency Period
The 2025 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period and Free Agency windows are set to commence shortly, with the Free Agency period opening on October 3 and concluding on October 10, followed by the Trade Period from October 6 to October 15. This 10-day window allows all 18 clubs to exchange players and draft picks, providing an opportunity for teams to enhance their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.
Key Dates and Changes
The Free Agency period will start at 8:30 AM ACST on October 3 and end at 4:30 PM ACST on October 10. The Trade Period will begin at 8:30 AM ACST on October 6 and close at 7 PM ACST on October 15. A notable rule change this year permits clubs to trade draft picks up to two years in advance, allowing for more strategic planning in player acquisitions.
Draft Value Index and Player Movement
The Draft Value Index (DVI) will see a revamp in 2025, adjusting the points assigned to draft picks to ensure fair value in trades. For instance, pick No.1 is valued at 3000 points, while pick No.54 is worth just 14 points. This system helps clubs assess the fairness of trades, particularly for father-son selections and Academy players.
Free Agency allows players to change clubs without the need for a trade. There are two types of free agents: unrestricted, who can move freely after eight years at one club, and restricted, who require their current club to match any offers made by other teams. The AFL also allocates compensation picks to clubs that lose free agents, based on a formula considering the player's contract and age.
Notable Player Movements and Rumors
Several high-profile players are expected to be at the center of trade discussions. Charlie Curnow from Carlton, Zach Merrett of Essendon, and Christian Petracca from Melbourne are among the key names potentially on the move. Curnow has expressed a desire to leave Carlton, with Geelong and Sydney as potential destinations. Merrett's situation has fluctuated, with Essendon keen to retain him despite interest from Hawthorn. Petracca, while still a valuable asset for Melbourne, may also be pursued by clubs like Adelaide and Gold Coast.
Club Strategies and Focus Areas
Clubs are adopting varied strategies during this trade period. St Kilda, Geelong, and Brisbane are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of top talent, while teams like Fremantle and Richmond may focus more on draft selections. Hawthorn is particularly keen on strengthening its midfield, having identified this as a critical area for improvement following their recent finals campaigns.
Official Statements and Responses
As the trade period approaches, clubs are preparing for negotiations. Hawthorn's list management team is reportedly targeting key midfielders to enhance their competitive edge. Meanwhile, St Kilda is actively pursuing Sam Flanders from Gold Coast, offering significant compensation to secure his services.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the potential trade values and offers for players like Curnow and Merrett. Carlton is reportedly unwilling to part with Curnow for less than a substantial offer, while Hawthorn's interest in Merrett has been met with resistance from Essendon, complicating negotiations.
What's Next?
As the Free Agency and Trade Periods unfold, clubs will finalize their strategies and make critical decisions that could shape their rosters for the 2026 season. The outcomes of these negotiations will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike, as the AFL landscape continues to evolve.
