The AFL trade and player movement period of 2025 closed with unprecedented drama and strategic manoeuvring as clubs scrambled to reshape their rosters for the upcoming season. From bombshell transfers to tactical draft pick exchanges, each club’s activity has set the stage for a captivating year of footy. With over 30 players shifting allegiances, the impact on team dynamics, salary caps, and draft strategies is profound, signaling clear winners and losers across the league. Clubs like Carlton and Geelong boldly reshaped their lists, while others like Essendon faced a quiet window that might hamper their short-term aspirations. This review dissects every club’s outcomes, shining a light on the key ins and outs, draft capital gained or lost, and the subtle chess game unfolding behind the scenes of Australian football’s most intense off-season.
Key takeaways from the 2025 AFL player movement period:
- Carlton’s aggressive approach yielded a potent combination of high draft picks and key acquisitions, positioning them as strong contenders in the coming season.
- Geelong’s savvy trading, including securing Bailey Smith, underscored their commitment to sustained excellence and list rejuvenation.
- Gold Coast’s strategic additions reflect a pragmatic plan to address gaps while managing salary cap flexibility.
- Richmond’s rebuild, fueled by an historic draft haul, signals a long-term vision despite significant player departures.
- Several clubs like Essendon and GWS encounter challenges due to minimal incoming talent, putting pressure on developmental pathways.
Power Moves: How Carlton and Geelong Dominated the 2025 AFL Player Movement Window
The trade period saw Carlton make some of the boldest moves across the competition, leaving no doubt about their ambition to mix experience with future potential. Their biggest coup was outlasting rivals to secure the coveted pick three via a masterstroke trade involving Matt Owies and multiple earlier picks. This enabled them to target highly rated midfielder Finn O’Sullivan and bolster their midfield dynamism.
In addition, Carlton brought in experienced defender Nick Haynes through free agency, injecting leadership and resilience into their backline. Their strategic release of contracted midfielder Matt Kennedy and small forward Owies in deals that netted additional early-round picks ensured they maintained a blend of youth and ability. Notably, the Blues’ ability to convert pick 14 from Hawthorn into superior draft capital exemplifies their acute trading acumen.
Geelong, while more conservative in the quantity of trades, executed a high-quality strategic acquisition in Bailey Smith from Western Bulldogs. Smith’s addition provides explosive skill and versatility, complementing the Cats’ existing talent. Their resilience in turning down less favourable offers for Clayton Oliver and keeping focused on their draft strategy displays a club confident in maintaining elite status. Landing Jack Martin as a delisted free agent offered additional depth and forward options without costly trade expense.
- Carlton’s trade highlights:
- Acquisition of pick 3 via trade and picks 12 and 14 deal
- Free agent addition: Nick Haynes (GWS)
- Trade-outs: Matt Owies, Matt Kennedy
- Emphasis on midfield youth and backline leadership
- Geelong’s key moves:
- Trade for Bailey Smith (Western Bulldogs) with picks involved
- Signing delisted free agent Jack Martin
- Retention of core list amid modest pick exchanges
| Club | Players In | Players Out | Key Draft Picks Acquired | Trade Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlton | Nick Haynes (GWS/FA), Pick 3 | Matt Owies (West Coast), Matt Kennedy | 3, 12, 14, 38, 63, 68, 69, 72 | A |
| Geelong | Bailey Smith (WB), Jack Martin (DFA) | None major | 17, 45, 57, 75 | A |
Gold Coast Suns and Richmond Tigers: Strategic Overhauls and Draft Mastery
Gold Coast’s player movement strategy was a calculated blend of refreshing talent while maintaining a structured salary cap environment. The Suns’ acquisition of dynamic players like Daniel Rioli and John Noble through trades alongside free agent Elliott Himmelberg is a clear nod towards balancing flair with reliability. Their decision to part with Jack Lukosius and Rory Atkins, though costly, allowed them to accumulate multiple draft picks and future selections, positioning them strongly for sustainable growth.
Richmond’s position is unique, trading established experience for a golden opportunity in the form of the largest cache of first-round picks in recent history. Losing stalwarts like Shai Bolton, Liam Baker, and Daniel Rioli signals an acceptance of rebuilding as long-term foresight. Their collection of seven first-round picks plus several compensations is a coup unmatched by any other club in this cycle, promising a rich talent infusion from the 2024 draft pool.
- Gold Coast’s additions and outlook:
- Trade-ins: Daniel Rioli (Richmond), John Noble (Collingwood), Elliott Himmelberg (Adelaide FA)
- Trade-outs: Jack Lukosius, Rory Atkins
- Significant draft capital accrued including future first-rounders
- Core ambition: making finals and strengthening midfield engine
- Richmond’s transformative draft haul:
- Multiple first-round picks acquired: 6, 10, 11, 18, 20, 23, 24
- Key players traded out for rebuild: Bolton, Rioli, Baker, Graham
- Rebuild strategy focused on youth and long-term competitiveness
| Club | Players In | Players Out | Key Draft Picks Acquired | Trade Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast Suns | Daniel Rioli, John Noble, Elliott Himmelberg | Jack Lukosius, Rory Atkins | 39, 41, 51, 61, 70, 76, Future 1st Rounders | A |
| Richmond Tigers | None (focus on draft) | Shai Bolton, Liam Baker, Daniel Rioli, Jack Graham | 1, 6, 10, 11, 18, 20, 23, 24 | A+ |
Mid-Tier Movements: Clubs Balancing Experience and Youth with Varied Success
Several clubs engaged in moderate player trading marked by tactical gains but also challenges in addressing roster holes. Hawthorn, Fremantle, and North Melbourne stand out in this cohort, successfully attracting key players who can influence their performance in 2025 while maintaining draft capital for future development.
Hawthorn’s addition of defenders Josh Battle and Tom Barrass gives captain James Sicily greater options to shift roles and fortify their back six. Fremantle’s high-profile trade for Shai Bolton demanded a heavy draft price but could pay dividends with his match-winning capabilities. North Melbourne’s recruitment spree, including premiership veterans Luke Parker and Jack Darling, aims to inject hard-nosed experience into a youthful side that will lean on these additions for stability and leadership.
- Hawthorn’s focused defensive upgrades:
- Players In: Josh Battle, Tom Barrass
- Capable multi-position defenders enhance strategic flexibility
- Maintained balanced draft hand with picks 33, 71, 77
- Fremantle’s all-in on a big-name trade:
- Key player in: Shai Bolton from Richmond
- High draft price paid: picks 10, 11, 18 exchanged
- Coaching confidence in Bolton’s potential impact
- North Melbourne’s veteran influx:
- Players added: Luke Parker, Jack Darling, Caleb Daniel, Jacob Konstanty
- Mix of premiership experience and young talent
- Kept high-value pick 2 for strategic draft use
| Club | Players In | Players Out | Key Draft Picks Acquired | Trade Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn | Josh Battle, Tom Barrass | None significant | 33, 71, 77 | B+ |
| Fremantle | Shai Bolton | None significant | 14, 30, 67 | B+ |
| North Melbourne | Luke Parker, Jack Darling, Caleb Daniel, Jacob Konstanty | None significant | 2, 44, 62 | B+ |
Stagnation and Struggles: Clubs That Missed Opportunities During The Trade Period
Not every club made headlines for their bold trading in 2025. Several teams, notably Essendon and GWS Giants, found themselves on the back foot, failing to bring significant talent into their ranks. Essendon, in particular, had a subdued period, merely shedding Jake Stringer without securing major influxes, which leaves questions over their ability to shift gears quickly. The Bombers traded away their coveted pick nine in exchange for future draft capital, signaling a rebuilding focus but also raising concerns over immediate competitiveness.
GWS, despite being premiership favorites, also endured a challenging period, losing several key players such as Nick Haynes and Isaac Cumming without netting replacements of equal calibre. Although their stockpile of first-round picks offers hope, the possibility of disrupted team chemistry looms large. Sydney Swans’ quiet window, losing veterans and modest draft gains, might hinder their capacity to reinforce ahead of a tough fixture list.
- Essendon’s cautious trade period:
- Player out: Jake Stringer
- No major players in to boost squad depth
- Draft picks shifted for future assets, possibly limiting short-term strength
- GWS Giants’ talent drain:
- Departures: Nick Haynes, Isaac Cumming, Harry Perryman
- Minimal acquisitions, relying on draft picks 15, 16, 21, 37
- Risk of reduced cohesion despite draft capital
- Sydney Swans’ quiet approach:
- Lost experienced players Luke Parker and Jacob Konstanty
- Limited draft picks gained
- Potential struggle to fill gaps in experience and leadership
| Club | Players Out | Players In | Draft Picks | Trade Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essendon | Jake Stringer | None | 28, 31, 40, 46, 53, 54, 65 | D |
| GWS Giants | Nick Haynes, Isaac Cumming, Harry Perryman, James Peatling | None | 15, 16, 21, 37, 56, 74 | C |
| Sydney Swans | Luke Parker, Jacob Konstanty | None | 19, 22, 44, 59 | D |
As the dust settles on the 2025 player movement period, these trade windows reveal a league geared for dramatic shifts. The action extends far beyond the field, with off-field strategic gambits by clubs attempting to build championship rosters or future-proof their squads.
Future Focus: Draft Picks and Their Impact on Club Trajectories
The draft picks acquired during the trade period will shape club trajectories for years to come. For example, Carlton’s accumulation of six early picks gives them the flexibility to target multiple blue-chip young talents, an opportunity that pairs strongly with their recent free agency gains. Richmond’s unprecedented seven first-round picks present a rare jackpot that could accelerate their rebuild faster than anticipated.
Meanwhile, clubs such as Port Adelaide and Western Bulldogs have maximized their positions by juggling draft capital in a complex web of player-for-pick exchanges. By contrast, teams like Hawthorn and Fremantle have sacrificed quantity for the quality of mid-range draft picks and bolstered their present squads.
- Draft pick advantages held by top clubs:
- Carlton: Multiple first-round and early picks for future depth and talent
- Richmond: Seven first-round picks, a historic advantage for quick rebuilding
- Hawthorn and Fremantle: Balanced approach of quality mid-round picks
- Port Adelaide and Bulldogs: Tactical exchanges balancing current talent and draft potential
| Club | Early Round Picks Held | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Carlton | 3, 12, 14, 38, 63, 68, 69, 72 | Heavy early picks focus for youth acceleration |
| Richmond | 1, 6, 10, 11, 18, 20, 23, 24 | Massive draft capital for rapid rebuild |
| Hawthorn | 33, 71, 77 | Focused, quality mid-range picks supporting defense |
| Port Adelaide | 13, 29, 36, 50 | Mixed picks and players for balance and growth |
| Western Bulldogs | 17, 25, 35, 48 | Trades to replenish after key midfield departures |
The coming draft will be fiercely contested, as clubs wield their fresh assets earned during this window. Success will hinge on scouting expertise, player development programs, and how seamless the rookies can integrate into their teams’ game plans. Furthermore, off-field partnerships with leading sporting brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma will continue to drive clubs’ performance in training, recovery, and fan engagement, underscoring the professional evolution of the AFL’s elite organisations.
