AFL clubs begin trade discussions at annual meetings in Melbourne

List and recruiting managers from over half of the 18 AFL clubs gather in Melbourne this Wednesday for preliminary trade talks. This annual informal event, described as a speed-dating exercise, serves as a forum for officials to discuss contract statuses, list vacancies, and potential draft selections. The meetings take place ahead of the official Continental Tyres Trade Period, which opens on Monday, October 5. Participants aim to gauge interest in prospective deals and map out recruitment strategies before the final trade deadline on Wednesday, October 14. This year's proceedings carry additional weight due to the upcoming entry of Tasmania into the league in 2027. High-profile players such as Zak Butters and Ben King have already communicated their intentions to explore free agency options, with free agency windows scheduled to run from October 2 to October 9.

• 12:25 AMAFL — Trade talks to begin in earnest at key meetings this week