It's AFL player movement season, with trades and free agency set to dominate the month of October. So who is going where? Keep track with our player movement guide here.
When is the AFL trade and free agency window?
The 2026 AFL trade period commences on Monday, October 5 and closes in the evening of Wednesday, October 14.
The free agency window opens and closes a little earlier; it runs from Friday, October 2 until Friday, October 9.
Monday Oct. 12
Suns land Schubert, Butler from Hawks
The Suns have landed their offseason trade target in Aidan Schubert from Hawthorn, in a package also involving Sam Butler and some picks going both ways.
Gold Coast gained Schubert, Butler, Hawthorn's 2028 first-round pick, and Hawthorn's 2027 third-round pick, in exchange for Gold Coast's 2028 first-rounder, and second rounders in both 2027 and 2028.
Friday, Oct. 9
Butters is a Bulldog
Zak Butters is officially a Western Bulldog. Port Adelaide will not match the offer and accept pick No. 5 as compensation, having also earlier secured picks 6, 10, and two future-firsts in the five-club mega trade. The star free agent and three-time All-Australian, who played 156 games and kicked 73 goals for the Power after being drafted in 2019, has signed a nine-year deal with his boyhood club
Hawks land spearhead King
After securing Zach Merrett earlier this week, Hawthorn have officially welcomed Ben King today after gold Coast elected not to match the offer for the restricted free agent. the Suns will receive a first round pick as compensation, which currently stands at pick No. 7.
Mega trade approved
The league approved a mega trade involving Port Adelaide, the Bulldogs, Melbourne, Hawthorn and Carlton, two players and scores of picks.
Under the five-team deal, the Bulldogs gave up picks No. 12 and No. 31 and a 2028 first-rounder to bring in Hawthorn's Finn Maginness, Carlton's Hudson O'Keeffe and later picks in this year's draft and future years.
Port parted with picks No. 4, 46 and 81 and six second-round or worse future selections to get back picks No. 6 and No. 10, Melbourne's 2027 first-rounder and the Dogs' 2028 first-rounder.
The Demons surrendered picks No.6, 10 and 87 and their 2027 first-rounder -- as well as two late future picks -- for picks No. 4, 12, 31 and 46.
Hawthorn (2027 third-rounder) and Carlton (2028 fourth-rounder) received late future picks for Maginness and O'Keeffe.
-- AAP
Flag Lion gets his wish
Brisbane has traded second-year Lion and 2025 premiership player Sam Marshall and pick No. 39 to St Kilda for a 2027 first-rounder.
Thursday, Oct. 8
Marshall lands at the Cats
St Kilda have pulled the trigger on a deal to send contracted ruckman Rowan Marshall to Geelong, as the Cats and other rival clubs circle Sydney star Nick Blakey.
Geelong traded pick No.14 in this year's draft for the disenchanted 30-year-old and a third-round selection in 2028 on Thursday afternoon.
New Zealand-born Marshall had requested a move to the Cats for a second straight year after St Kilda recruited Tom De Koning to become their first-choice ruckman.
-- AAP
Wednesday, Oct. 7
Dons defender gets traded to the Cats
After being denied a trade last year, Jordan Ridley got his wish for a fresh start after Essendon and Geelong agreed to a deal on Wednesday.
Geelong gave up utility Jack Bowes, a 2027 first-round pick and 2028 second-round pick to get the 27-year-old Ridley through the door.
Pick No. 60 and a 2028 fourth-round selection will come back to the Cats from the Bombers.
--AAP
Tuesday, Oct. 6
O'Driscoll makes the move over east
Fremantle have traded 24-year-old Nathan O'Driscoll to Richmond in exchange for pick 61 in this year's draft.
The winger played 17 games for the Dockers this season but wasn't selected for the Grand Final.
Monday, Oct. 5
TRADE PERIOD OPENS
Merrett finally becomes a Hawk
After attempting to join Hawthorn last year, Zach Merrett has finally been traded from Essendon to the Hawks.
Hawthorn have sent picks 15, 25 and a 2028 second-round pick in exchange for the 31-year-old.
Merrett leaves the Bombers a week after winning a record-equaling seventh Crichton Medal, three All-Australian blazers, and 274 games.
Pendlebury becomes a Sun
AFL games record holder Scott Pendlebury is officially a Sun after Gold Coast and Collingwood agreed on a trade for the 38-year-old veteran.
Pendlebury, a two-time premiership player, heads to the Suns in exchange for pick No. 65 in this year's draft.
"It's an exciting group here at the SUNS and the opportunity to bring a few different ideas and also learn from a great group of coaches and players is one I'm really looking forward to," Pendlebury told the Suns.
"This side is one I've watched from afar and really admired. I've got a bit of knowledge about the industry so I'm here to play my role and help this squad continue to develop."
Jesse Hogan traded from GWS to Collingwood
Out-of-favour Giants forward Jesse Hogan has made the switch to Collingwood in exchange for pick 75.
The 31-year-old won the Coleman Medal in 2024 but has been unable to recapture his best form at the Giants in the two years since.
Magpies list boss Justin Leppitsch said Hogan would be a valuable addition.
"On behalf of everyone at Collingwood, I'd like to warmly welcome Jesse to Collingwood. Jesse has established himself as one of the competition's premier key forwards and we're excited to see him bring his experience and talent to our club," he said.
"His aerial presence inside forward-50 and his consistency as a goal-kicker make him a genuine threat.
"Like Lachie (Neale), Jesse has a passion to teach the next generation and will make a great addition to our club."
Saturday, Oct. 3
Bulldogs seal free-agency signing of key defender
The Western Bulldogs have finally snagged the key defender they need, securing Adelaide backman Jordon Butts as an unrestricted free agent.
The Bulldogs are set for a bumper AFL trade period headlined by working through a deal for Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters, ahead of a 2027 season where the club will have high expectations.
But after seeing off Carlton's advances to keep hold of defender Buku Khamis, the Bulldogs have filled a major area of need by adding 26-year-old Butts.
Adelaide will receive a second-round compensation selection, currently pick No.33, in this year's draft.
-- AAP
Friday, Oct. 2
FREE AGENCY OPEN
Three-peat Lion locks in Magpies move
Lachie Neale has sealed his high-profile switch to Collingwood, with Brisbane teasing the dual Brownlow medallist on his way out the door.
The AFL approved Neale signing a three-year deal with the Magpies on Friday afternoon, closing out the first day of free agency.
The 33-year-old ball-winner leaves as an unrestricted free agent after the Lions clinched a third straight flag with their stunning seven-point grand final victory over Fremantle.
-- AAP
Greene on his way to the Cats
Toby Greene will join Geelong as an unrestricted free agent on a three-year deal, re-partnering with former Giants teammate Jeremey Cameron.
The paperwork was lodged to the AFL on Friday morning.
The Giants receive band three compensation for Greene, which is currently pick No. 26 in the upcoming draft.
Greene departs the Giants with his name etched in the club's record books, sitting first in games played for the club with a tally of 282 games, as well as leading the club's all-time goalkicking tally with 450 majors.
Briggs now a Tiger
Richmond has landed GWS ruck Kieren Briggs as an unrestricted free agent.
Briggs' move to the Tigers was confirmed just hours after the free agency window opened on Friday.
Briggs played 88 games for GWS after joining the club as the No.34 pick in the 2018 draft.
Amartey officially joins the Blues
Free agency has opened with a bang, with out-of-favour key forward Joel Amartey committing to Carlton.
Details are still to come on the length of contract, and Sydney's compensation.
Hawthorn father-son recommits despite interest
Calsher Dear has made a shock decision to re-sign with the Hawks for two years, despite being out of favour thorughout 2026.
The 20-year-old has kicked 39 goals from 31 games, but found himself behind Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis and Mabior Chol. With Gunston signed on and Suns forward Ben King expected to sign with the Hawks as well, there were questions about whether Dear would get enough opportunity at his childhood club.
Hawks list boss Mark McKenzie said the club was "really pleased" that Dear had recommitted.
"He remains an important part of what we are trying to achieve as a club," he said.
"Following his debut season, Calsher showed us all the special talent that he is, but as a key tall at 21 years of age, we've needed to be patient with his progression.
"Having battled several injuries over his first three seasons in the system, we are very excited about what the future holds for Calsher with a strong pre-season under his belt and greater continuity into 2027 and beyond."
Thursday, Oct. 1
Goater set to make cross-city switch
North Melbourne defender Josh Goater is set to join the Hawks after requesting a trade on Thursday.
Having played just 18 games, the 23-year-old had fallen out of favour after an injury-hit run in his time at North.
Premiership Lion requests trade
The Brisbane Lions have confirmed Sam Marshall has requested a trade to St Kilda.
"The Brisbane Lions confirm premiership midfielder Sam Marshall has requested to be traded to St Kilda," the Lions said in a statement.
"Marshall has played 13 games, including the 2025 Premiership, across two seasons since being selected in the first round of the 2024 draft as a graduate of the Youi Brisbane Lions Academy.
"The club respects Marshall's request to be traded, and will work towards facilitating an outcome that best reflects true value to the Brisbane Lions for the 20-year-old."
Tuesday, Sept. 29
Neale informs Lions he intends to join Collingwood
Two-time Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale has told Brisbane he will depart the club as an unrestricted free agent and sign a three-year deal with Collingwood.
Aware that Neale intended to leave at the end of the year, the Lions never offered him a new contract.
The paperwork for the deal is expected to be formalised as early as Friday when the free agency period opens.
Friday, Sept. 25
Jordon Butts to join the Bulldogs
Zak Butters isn't the only South Australian-based player keen to join the Western Bulldogs, with Crows' key defender Jordon Butts officially naming the Dogs as his preferred offseason destination.
The unrestricted free agent will sign a five-year deal at the Kennel, according to AFL.com.au.
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Amartey officially names Carlton
Wantaway Sydney forward Joel Amartey has confirmed his desire to join Carlton as an unrestricted free agent.
The 26-year-old was kept out of the Swans' side with an Achilles injury in the latter stages of the year.
With Charlie Curnow (75 goals in 2026) and Logan McDonald (51) cementing their spots in the Sydney forward line as the prime targets, Amartey is hoping for more opportunity at the Blues.
Thursday, Sept. 17
GWS captain finally makes big call on his future
Toby Greene has opted to leave GWS, telling the AFL club he wishes to play with Geelong next season. Greene, who has been at the Giants since their foundation season in 2012, wants to go back to Victoria for family reasons.
In an extraordinary way to announce the decision, outgoing GWS boss Dave Matthews confirmed Greene's intentions on radio, before the club released a statement.
The 32-year-old has been offered a lucrative three-year deal to join the Cats.
Saturday, Sept. 12
Zak Butters makes huge free agency call
The year's hottest restricted free agent Zak Butters has made a huge call on his future, nominating the Western Bulldogs as his preferred destination.
After a year of speculation, with Geelong thought to be the front-runner for the Power star's signature, Butters made the call on Saturday, first reported by AFL.com.au's Callum Twomey.
The deal is reportedly for nine years.
Thursday, Sept. 10
Hogan set to join Pies
GWS and Collingwood have both confirmed that 2024 Coleman Medal winner Jesse Hogan has chosen the Magpies at his next home.
Set to be a four-club player, Hogan is 31 and coming off a 12-goal season from just nine appearances.
It's a big boost for the Magpies if Hogan can recapture his form; key forward has been an area of concern for a number of years.
Tuesday, Sept. 8
Bailey set to be Lion for life
Brisbane's Zac Bailey has ended months of 'will he, won't he' speculation to sign with the Lions for eight years, taking him through the 2034 season, the the club confirmed on Tuesday.
Bailey, a free agent, had been a big target for the Crows, who had reportedly tabled a more lucrative offer.
"I'm absolutely rapt to be staying at the Brisbane Lions," Bailey said in a statement.
"I love the environment here, the players, coaches and staff who all make it a great place to be and I feel like this Club continues to bring the best out of me.
"This Club means so much to me - I came here as a young player and have grown up here and to know I will be here long-term is something I'm really proud of.
"I would like to thank the club, my partner Em, my family and my management for being so supportive throughout this process.
"I love what we as a club have achieved during my time here and I am super excited about what we can continue to achieve together."
Rowan Marshall requests trade
St Kilda ruck Rowan Marshall looks set to be on the move, with the Saints confirming the big man had requested a trade for the second straight season.
While Marshall hasn't requested a specific club, it's likely to be Geelong after he failed to secure a trade to the Cats last year. He played 21 games for the Saints this seaosn, juggling ruck duties with Tom De Koning, who came in from Carlton last offseason.
"Rowan is a highly valued member of the St Kilda Football Club and remains contracted until the end of 2027," the Saints said in a statement.
"Marshall has not nominated a preferred destination at this stage, with the club making clear that any trade will need to be in the best interests of the St Kilda Football Club."
Zane Duursma wants to go to Melbourne
The No. 4 pick in the 2023 AFL draft Zane Duursma has requested a trade out of North Melbourne, with Melbourne in his sights.
The news comes a week after coach Alastair Clarkson was sacked by the club. North won nine games in 2026, their best return since 2019.
Ed Allan re-signs with the Pies
After speculation about his future at the Magpies, mdifielder Ed Allan has put pen to paper, signing a four year extension to remain at Collingwood.
2026 was a breakout season for Allan, who played 19 games and averaged a career-high 16.5 disposals per game.
Monday, Sept. 7
Pair of in-demand Dogs re-sign
According to afl.com.au, both Arty Jones and Buku Khamis will remain at the Kennel this offseason.
Jones will sign a three-year deal, while Khamis has a five-year contract in front of him.
Essendon and Brisbane had interest in livewire forward Jones, who had a standout performance against Collingwood in the wildcard final win, while the Blues were heavily linked to Khamis for a second straight offseason.
Cooper Hodge nomintes Hawthorn
A big boost for the Hawks, with club champion Luke Hodge's son Cooper choosing to join the Melbourne-based team as a father-son at this year's draft.
He had the option of going to Brisbane as a Lions academy member.