Here’s a look at the AFL trade market heating up early—with several major names reportedly weighing moves before the official Trade Period in October:
1. Zak Butters (Port Adelaide)
Status: Contracted through 2026, but “potentially open to a trade” this year .
Interest: A host of Victorian clubs—Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, Richmond, Western Bulldogs, Geelong, St Kilda—are reportedly circling .
Why early?: Port may prefer a blockbuster trade now rather than risk losing him next year via restricted free agency .
2. Oscar Allen & Harley Reid (West Coast Eagles)
Oscar Allen: Hawks coach met with him during Hawthorn’s Perth bye—a strong sign they want to get a deal done this year .
Harley Reid: Also contracted to 2026, but essendon and Richmond are eyeing him if he wants to come home to Melbourne .
These early meetings could force the Eagles’ hand to trade instead of lose them for minimal return.
3. Tom De Koning (Carlton → St Kilda)
Linked to a blockbuster: St Kilda reportedly poised to offer a A$12 million, 7‑year deal (~A$1.7 million per annum), with discussions having taken place since December .
4. Nasiah Wanganeen‑Milera & Other off-contract stars
Wanganeen‑Milera (St Kilda defender): Attracting interest from Adelaide, Port Adelaide and others as he nears contract expiry .
Other clubs have lists of off-contract defenders they’ll chase—rumoured conversations expected before October window .
Why these trades might happen early
1. Contract leverage: Clubs prefer to negotiate deals while players are still under contract to extract better value in picks/players.
2. Pre-empting free agency losses: Teams want to avoid waiting, only to lose players or get minimal draft compensation next year.
3. Strategic timing: With interest now, any momentum or opportunity to meet privately could seal deals quietly before the window opens.
What’s next
Trade window: Runs from Monday 6 Oct to Wednesday 15 Oct 2025 .
Expect most “early” trades to be confirmed officially during that period—even if whispers and preliminary deals are floating now.
Bottom Line
Several key players—Zak Butters, Oscar Allen, Harley Reid, Tom De Koning, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, plus other off-contract defenders—are showing signs that early-season trades could be on the cards. Clubs are already engaging behind the scenes, and with contract leverage strong, more deals could lock in well before October.
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