It’s customary for the week before the AFL trade period to be the busiest of the offseason, and 2023 was no exception as the rumors persisted.
Concerns about Melbourne star Clayton Oliver’s future with the Demons made headlines, and Collingwood’s Taylor Adams has unexpectedly emerged as a trade target for Sydney.
Two players signed with new clubs as free agency began on Friday; the trade period will formally begin on Monday.
Here is a collection of the most recent trade news from the previous week.
Veteran of Collingwood considering leaving
Magpies supporters would have been stunned to learn that midfielder Taylor Adams is allegedly considering moving to Sydney on the eve of the trade deadline.
Adams has a contract for the following year, but he might be allowed to move north if he can get more playing time in the middle of the field.
Demons makes his first free-agent switch to become a Swan.
The first player to find a new team this offseason was Melbourne midfielder James Jordon, who signed with Sydney as an unrestricted free agent.
Jordon is moving to the Harbour City in an effort to join John Longmire’s team after a couple inconsistent seasons with the red and blue.
Melbourne received Pick 39 in restitution for losing Jordan.
Giants ruckman travels to the West to sign with the Eagles
On Friday, West Coast improved their ruck stocks by signing Matthew Flynn from GWS in free agency.
Flynn considered leaving the Giants when Kieren Briggs had a breakout season to go ahead of him in the pecking order, but has since signed a three-year contract with the Eagles.
GWS received Pick 40 as payment.
Melbourne makes a call to Clayton Oliver
Clayton Oliver, a star for the Demons who still had seven years left on his contract with Melbourne, had a week unlike any other as he was the subject of trade rumors prior to the trade season.
On Tuesday, there were reports of other clubs showing interest in Oliver. Melbourne was reportedly open to a possible transfer if the proper offer was made.
Lions are chosen by Doedee above Pies and Crows.
Tom Doedee, a restricted free agent, has formally named Brisbane as his preferred destination after Collingwood and Sydney expressed interest in him before the signing window.
Adelaide wanted to keep the defender as well, but he decided to sign a long-term contract with Brisbane instead.
Free agency is open until this next Friday, October 13.
