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The Data that Shows Who Won and Lost in This Year's AFL Trade Period
Thirty players changed clubs as clubs reshaped lists, with Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell grading every team’s trade and free-agency results.
- The AFL trade period concluded on October 15, 2026, with 30 players changing clubs during the 10-day window that defined the off-season player movement.
- Midfielder Zak Butters joined the Western Bulldogs as a free agent, while key defender Nick Blakey transferred to North Melbourne, highlighting the period's marquee player movements.
- North Melbourne signed Blakey on an eight-year deal worth up to $12 million, while Geelong acquired Toby Greene, Jordan Ridley, and Rowan Marshall to bolster their premiership bid.
- The Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn received high grades for aggressive recruiting, while the Sydney Swans face retooling after losing Blakey and Joel Amartey to other clubs.
- Clubs prioritized future draft capital, with Richmond securing pick 5 and many teams trading picks into 2027 and 2028 to navigate the Tasmania-compromised draft landscape.
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11 Articles
11 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Contending, rebuilding or stuck in limbo: What AFL trade period says about your team’s flag hopes
AFL journalists Marc McGowan and Andrew Wu rank and review every AFL team after the 2026 AFL trade period which ended on Wednesday night. Zak Butters, Nick Blakey, Rowan Marshall, Toby Greene and Zach Merrett were among the big names to move. Teams also trade draft picks ahead of the 2026 AFL draft on November 19, 2026.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Left
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
63% Left
L 63%
C 25%
12%
Factuality
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