Let the deals begin.
The AFL trade period doesn’t officially open until Monday, but free agency opened on Friday, with plenty of paperwork already lodged.
And one of the period’s biggest names has made a call on his club of choice for 2026. Get all the latest news below, plus re-live our live chat that answered your questions from 9am-5pm AEST.
Watch every match of the 2025 NAB AFL Women’s Season LIVE ad-break free during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
5PM — GEELONG SNAG FIRST RECRUIT OF OFF-SEASON
Inside midfielder James Worpel will join Geelong as a restricted free agent, after 148 games at Hawthorn.
The Hawks will receive an end-of-second round compensation pick, (current No.39) as compensation, after opting not to match the Cats’ offer for the 26-year-old.
“As is James’ right as a restricted free agent, he has chosen to seek a new opportunity at Geelong,” Hawthorn National Recruiting and List Manager Mark McKenzie said in a club statement on Friday evening.
“Playing 148 games for the Hawks, James was always a popular teammate and respected figure at our club.
“On behalf of the club, I’d like to acknowledge James’ amazing contribution to Hawthorn, his professionalism and dedication never wavered during his eight seasons in the brown and gold, giving his all each week.
“We wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Worpel will become the 14th player ever to feature for both Geelong and Hawthorn, joining the likes of Isaac Smith, Jon Ceglar and Gary Ablett Sr.
In a Geelong statement released shortly after, Cats General Manager Andrew Mackie, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome James to the Cats. James is a quality person and player who we believe will complement our current playing group. We’re looking forward to seeing him in the hoops in 2026.”
4:45PM — TOM DE KONING OFFICIALLY JOINS ST KILDA
And there we go! Tom De Koning has officially joined St Kilda, and departed Carlton after eight years.
The Blues have been handed Pick No.9 as compensation, after electing not to match the lucrative eight-year tabled to the 26-year-old ruck - reportedly $1.7 million a year over eight seasons.
“I’m absolutely pumped to be joining St Kilda,” De Koning said in a St Kilda statement released on Friday evening.
“From the outside you can see how driven and united this playing group is. There’s a real determination to get the best out of themselves and each other, and I want to contribute to that.
“Players like Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Windhager, Mitch Owens and a whole group of emerging players are showing what can be achieved when you’re aligned and hungry for success. To join that environment is something I’m really looking forward to.
“The stability of the club, the quality of the coaches and the lifestyle the Bayside affords are also huge factors. I feel like this is the perfect place to challenge myself and take my footy to the next level.
“Carlton will always be the place where my AFL journey started, and for that I will be forever grateful. But my focus is now firmly on everything I can do to prove myself to my teammates, coaches and the St Kilda supporters, while doing everything I can to help drive us forward.”
4:20PM — HUMPHREY’S TWO LOW-KEY MEETINGS REVEALED
The intrigue around young gun Sun Bailey Humphrey has hit new levels, with the 21-year-old spotted in Melbourne meeting with new coach Steven King and club legend Nathan Jones.
A photo uploaded on Instagram via @thedeebrief appears to show the trio walking together in Melbourne, with the revelation coming to light just hours after Humphrey’s management spoke to CODE Sports.
“Bailey has not met with any clubs, and doesn’t have any plans to meet with any clubs,” Oakes said.
“As far as we are concerned, he is playing for Gold Coast in 2026.”
AFL Media’s Cal Twomey posted to X on Friday evening with some context to the meeting: “King, his former line coach at the Suns, reached out to him before he headed back to Moe, having touched down in Melbourne last night. Gold Coast has been adamant he is not up for trade.”
Seven’s Xander McGuire said the race for Humphrey is “set to explode” only last night, and he wasn’t wrong — not long after reporting that Collingwood has also met with the versatile Moe product.
News of their interest, as well as Nine’s Tom Morris now also revealing Hawthorn are in the hunt for Humphrey.
The constant breaking of news saw Twomey reveal a second (and rather cheeky) statement from Oakes, Humphrey’s manager.
“When we spoke at 10.30 this morning nothing had happened, but with the evolving nature of trade period, Bailey saw fit to catch up with his former coach this afternoon.”
The Demons were heavily interested in Humphrey in the 2022 Draft, offering three first-round picks to try and move up and land him.
4:05PM — ANOTHER SUN TO EXPLORE TRADE
Arguably the trade period’s busiest club just got even busier with Ben Ainsworth reportedly exploring his options.
The 27-year-old half-forward played 24 of 25 games for the Suns this season and is contracted for another three years - having weighed up rival offers before signing a new deal in July 2024.
Given Ainsworth was set to be a restricted free agent, he’s on a healthy salary at the Suns, and offloading him could allow the club to fit in Christian Petracca’s deal.
Rivals are aware of his interest in a departure, according to AFL Media.
Players set to either leave or join the Suns this off-season include Ainsworth, Bailey Humphrey, Christian Petracca, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Sam Flanders, Brayden Fiorini, Connor Budarick and Malcolm Rosas.
3:30PM — FRESH PETRACCA DETAILS
Adelaide reconsidered its interest in Christian Petracca after the Demons midfielder asked for more money and a longer contract, according to Seven’s Theo Doropoulos.
Petracca has chosen Gold Coast after initially meeting with the Crows this week.
It’s unclear whether he asked for the same increased pay packet from the Suns - and whether them accepting it made him pick them.
Petracca’s current deal runs until the end of 2029, peaking at $1.7 million in one season and not falling below $1.2 million.
“Christian Petracca asked the Crows for an extra year on top of his current 4-year contract, at increased money across the entire deal, which forced the club to reconsider its trade position,” Doropolous tweeted.
“He would have been 35 on expiry and one of Adelaide’s highest paid players.”
2.00PM — DOCKERS MEET WITH ANOTHER SERONG
Fremantle has an interest in uniting Jai Serong with older brother Caleb at the Dockers, according to multiple reports.
Key defender Jai Serong remains uncontracted for next year and hasn’t played an AFL game since the Hawks’ semi-final loss to Port Adelaide in 2024.
SEN’s Sam Edmund reported Dockers coach Justin Longmuir caught up with Serong in Melbourne whether the prospect of a move west was raised, adding both North Melbourne and Sydney were interested in the Hawk.
7News’ Mitch Cleary also reported the Longmuir meeting, with Serong “keen for more senior opportunities” to continue his AFL career.
1.05PM – CARLTON’S COMPO CONFIRMED
Carlton will receive pick 19 as compensation for the confirmed exit of Jack Silvagni.
As the deal was done on Friday, the Blues were awarded band two compensation as result.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining St Kilda and starting this new chapter,” Silvagni said.
“The Saints have a strong mix of established talent and exciting young players, and I feel I can add to that with my experience, versatility and drive to compete.
“As a young father, this decision is also about building the next stage of my life with my wife Grace and our son Charlie. The opportunity to grow both on and off the field in a stable and supportive environment was really important in making this choice.
“Carlton will always be part of me. It’s where I grew up, where my AFL career began, and it’s deeply connected to my family and our history in the game.
“I’ll always be grateful for the experiences I had there and the people who supported me. But now I’m looking forward with full focus on the Saints, and doing everything I can to help us push forward.”
The AFL confirmed the compensation after the paper was officially lodged.
The compensation confirmation pushes West Coast’s AFL assistance package from Pick 19 out to 20.
It’s the same compensation pick Hawthorn ended up with when their star Lance Franklin left to join Sydney on a lucrative multimillion-dollar deal.
The AFL also confirmed paperwork had been lodged for St Kilda’s offer to restricted free agent Tom De Koning. Carlton has until midday Monday to decide whether it wants to match the offer, but the Blues last month stated the “significant size of the deal presented by St Kilda is not one the club is prepared to match”.
Jack Silvagni with his son Charlie after a win. Source: News Corp Australia
12.50PM – SAINTS STAR ‘PREPARED’ TO CONSIDER EXIT
St Kilda has confirmed captain Jack Steele wants to step down from his leadership position amid uncertainty over his future at the club.
Despite telling the Saints he wants to stay, Steele has been told he’s free to explore other opportunities.
In a statement released on Friday, the club confirmed Steele would no longer serve as captain.
“At his recent year-end exit interview Jack Steele advised the club of his desire to step down from the captaincy,” the club said.
“The club called Jack in today for a follow up discussion about his playing future and to discuss his openness to explore other opportunities.
“Jack advised the club he wants to stay but is prepared to consider opportunities if presented to him.”
It comes amid rumours Callum Wilkie will be elevated to captain off the back of his likely decision to knock back a big money deal from the Western Bulldogs to remain at Moorabbin.
Steele is contracted at St Kilda until the end of 2027.
Jack Steele will step down as captain of the Saints. Source: Getty Images
12.30PM – PREMIERSHIP LION OFFICIALLY REQUESTS TRADE TO SA
Two-time premiership Lion Callum Ah Chee has officially nominated his club of choice – with Adelaide winning the race to sign the 27-year-old.
The Crows issued a statement on Friday confirming the upcoming move, with reports Ah Chee will accept a five-year deal.
“Brisbane forward Callum Ah Chee has informed Adelaide he wishes to join the Crows in the upcoming trade period,’ Adelaide said.
“Ah Chee has played 169 games since being drafted by the Gold Coast Suns in 2015. He joined the Lions in 2020.
“Adelaide will work with Brisbane to facilitate a trade once the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period opens on Monday.”
The Lions had confirmed Ah Chee’s exit earlier in the week in coach Chris Fagan’s speech at the club best and fairest.
11.36AM – HAWK OFFICIALLY SIGNS WITH CATS
Hawthorn midfielder James Worpel is has officially signed with Geelong, with the Hawks lodging paperwork early on Friday.
The Hawks have 72 hours to match the offer, with Worpel a restricted free agent this year.
If not, the Cats will officially welcome the contested ball-winner on a three-year deal. But if they do, the teams will have to agree on a deal.
The move has been in the pipeline for some time, with Geelong looking to bolster its engine room stocks alongside ‘dash brothers’ Bailey Smith and Max Holmes and hard nut Tom Atkins.
10.23AM — DEMON BOUND FOR ARDEN ST
Another one!
Cal Twomey reports free agency paperwork has been lodged for premiership Demon Charlie Spargo to join North Melbourne.
Spargo played all 25 games in the Demons’ 2021 premiership triumph. He played 108 matches for Melbourne after being selected with Pick 29 in the 2017 draft.
10.04AM – GROWING RUMBLINGS AROUND SUN
The noise around Gold Coast young gun Bailey Humphrey is growing on Friday, with SEN’s Sam Edmund revealing the Sun’s management “has reached out to multiple rival clubs” about a possible Carrara departure.
It comes on the same morning Christian Petracca decided on Gold Coast as his preferred trade destination — with that revelation said to have played a part in Humphrey’s thinking.
Edmund wrote on social media platform X that it’s becoming “increasingly clear the player has an appetite to leave Gold Coast in this trade period”.
“The arrival of Christian Petracca is part of the motivation to leave, with Humphrey currently in Melbourne,” Edmund wrote.
“Suns set to seriously dig in, given the contract (three more years), potential and admiration Damien Hardwick has for him.”
Interestingly, the Demons are one of at least three Victorian clubs — including Collingwood — reportedly chasing the livewire hybrid, sparking the idea that he could possibly be involved in a Petracca-to-Gold Coast trade.
However, Suns list boss Craig Cameron told CODE Sports Humphrey would not be part of any possible Petracca trade, declaring: “We have no plans to trade Bailey Humphrey. Categorically.”
Humphrey’s manager Michael Oakes insisted a trade was not on the cards.
“Bailey has not met with any clubs, and doesn’t have any plans to meet with any clubs,” Oakes told CODE Sports.
“As far as we are concerned, he is playing for Gold Coast in 2026.”
9.20AM – POWER TO CEMENT SIGNING OF EX-GIANT
Port Adelaide will today lodge paperwork with AFL House for the signing of former GWS Giants rebounder Jacob Wehr, per AFL Media’s Cal Twomey.
An unrestricted free agent, Wehr will officially join the Power after five years at the Giants. Wehr became eligible for free agency after being delisted and re-rookied last year.
The Giants aren’t expected to receive compensation following the move.
The 27-year-old has played 39 games in his five seasons, including a career-high 14 senior matches in orange this year under coach Adam Kingsley.
9.06AM – SAINTS TO LODGE PAPERWORK FOR EX-BLUES
St Kilda will today lodge free agency paperwork with AFL House for ex-Carlton duo Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, per AFL Media’s Cal Twomey.
The Blues have the ability to match the Saints’ offer but are considered highly unlikely to, with De Koning set to sign an eight-year deal reportedly worth $1.65 million per year.
Meanwhile, Silvagni, an unrestricted free agent, will also walk to Moorabbin on a five-year deal with the Saints, believed to be worth around $850,000 per season.
9.00AM – ‘PUT A LINE THROUGH’ CURNOW-SUNS MOVE
Charlie Curnow to Gold Coast has been ruled out following Christian Petracca’s nomination of the Suns as his new home.
According to SEN’s Sam Edmund, “put a line through Curnow and Gold Coast in the wake of Petracca’s choice to join the Suns”.
He added on social media platform X: “Curnow has always wanted Geelong, but the Suns held some appeal. The Cats and Sydney now the two options for the Carlton forward.”
8.22AM – PETRACCA MAKES HUGE TRADE CALL — WITH TWIST
Wantaway Melbourne star Christian Petracca has chosen the Gold Coast Suns as his preferred destination, according to Nine’s Tom Morris on Friday morning.
However, a twist in the machinations of his decision has been revealed.
Petracca had already indicated he wanted to be dealt from Melbourne and was choosing between the Suns and Adelaide — and he’s said to have picked Damien Hardwick’s club.
But in an eyebrow-raiser, AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reported via social media platform X that the Crows “walked away from the prospect of a trade for the superstar Demon”.
Gold Coast and Melbourne will now start discussions on what a trade deal could look like, with the 29-year-old contracted for four more seasons. The exchange window officially opens on Monday.
The Suns currently hold picks 6, 13 and 16 at November’s draft, while Sam Flanders — who met with the Dees on Friday morning, according to AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge — or potentially Bailey Humphrey could be catalysts in a deal.
“This is the perfect scenario for the Dees … they (Gold Coast) have the picks, they have Flanders,” Morris told AFL Trade Radio.
SEN’s Sam Edmund said of the possibility of the Demons landing Humphrey in a corresponding move: “This will really test their (the Suns’) resolve … they might be put in a situation where they have to make a really tough choice.”
The Demons had last night been revealed as a suitor of Humphrey, who hails from the Gippsland Power.
Christian Petracca has chosen the Gold Coast Suns as his destination of choice. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
6AM – VICTORIAN TRIO TO TRY AND LURE ‘DUSTY-LIKE’ SUN
Three Victorian clubs have ramped up their chase for exciting Gold Coast mid-forward Bailey Humphrey, who has drawn comparisons to Dustin Martin through his young career.
The No.6 pick in the 2022 Draft, Humphrey is being chased by Carlton, Collingwood and Melbourne according to Seven’s Xander McGuire.
Humphrey starred in his finals debut last month as the Suns upset Fremantle, and is contracted until the end of 2028.
But chasing clubs “believe his head can be turned” by lucrative offers to return home to Victoria.
Humphrey flew into Melbourne on Thursday to visit family.
“I mean, I’m happy at the Suns at the moment, and yeah, we’ll see what the future holds,” he told Seven.
Asked if he was aware of Victorian interest, he replied: “From my manager, yes, but I haven’t been approached by them personally or anything.”
Bailey Humphrey in action during the semi final match between the Lions and the Suns at the Gabba. Picture Lachie Millard Source: News Corp Australia
6AM – WHICH FREE AGENT SIGNINGS WILL HAPPEN ON FRIDAY?
Last year, six players moved clubs on the opening day of free agency, all of them being unrestricted free agents.
It seems unlikely 2025 will match that total but there’s certainly a chance with some of the trade period’s big names likely to make their moves official on Friday.
Carlton pair Jack Silvagni and Tom De Koning are expected to have their paperwork submitted to join St Kilda, though De Koning won’t switch clubs immediately as he’s a restricted free agent and the Blues have three days to match the offer (though they won’t).
Other restricted movers will include James Worpel (Hawthorn to Geelong) and Oscar Allen (West Coast to Brisbane).
Silvagni is unrestricted, as are Charlie Spargo (Melbourne to North Melbourne), Sam Draper (Essendon to Brisbane) and Jacob Wehr (GWS to Port Adelaide).
The compensation picks awarded to each free agent’s former club will also be announced as the players move.
The likes of Brody Mihocek, Brayden Fiorini and Brandon Starcevich are unlikely to move until next week, though Starcevich is set to be traded in order for West Coast to avoid diluting their compensation pick for Allen’s exit.
Catch up on our live AFL trade chat! If you can’t see the chat, tap here.
[SRC] https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trades-2025-free-agency-day-1-live-blog-and-updates-latest-trade-news-rumours-live-chat-free-agent-signings/news-story/104fda436f0550324bdf8c7b36653921
