AFL

The AFL Trade period is becoming a bigger event every season, with blockbuster player moves dominating the news cycle for nearly 12 months of the year.

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Who will Zak Butters move to? Will Ben King and Zach Merrett get to Hawthorn? Is Zac Bailey going to choose Adelaide?

Is your club going to make the changes it needs to compete strongly in 2027?

The Sporting News explains all the key dates of  the 2026 AFL Trade Period.

When is the 2026 AFL Trade Period?

The AFL Trade period will start on Monday, October 5, kicking off at 9am (AEDT).

During trade week, clubs will have the opportunity to trade players and draft picks to strengthen their draft hand and improve their list heading into the next season. 

A Free Agency window will begin three days prior, on Friday, October 2, when clubs will be able to sign restricted and unrestricted free agents.

The Free Agency window closes on Friday, October 9.

When does the 2026 AFL Trade Period end?

The 2026 AFL Trade Period will last nine days, with much of the action set to come on an exciting final day. 

A Wednesday, October 14, finish has been confirmed, with the Trade Period to close at 7:30pm (AEDT).

2026 AFL Trade Period calendar

• Oct 2 — AFL Free Agency opens
• Oct 5 — AFL Trade Period opens
• Oct 9 — AFL Free Agency closes
• Oct 14 — AFL Trade Period closes
• Nov 19-20 — AFL Draft
• Nov 23 — AFL pre-season and rookie drafts

How does AFL trade work?

Clubs are able to exchange players, draft picks, or a combination of both during the AFL Trade Period when all parties (including the AFL) sign off on the deal. Trades may include multiple clubs. 

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If a proposed trade involves a contracted player, that player must first give permission to be traded to a new destination before a deal can be confirmed. 

Clubs are also permitted to trade 2027 and 2028 draft picks which can be used for future draft selections. 

How to listen to AFL Trade Radio

Prior to and during trade week, the AFL Trade Radio is available on afl.com.au and the AFL Live app. Fans will be able to listen to or live stream the shows through either platform. 

AFL Trade Radio goes on air just after the AFL Grand Final and provides updates on trade rumours and official deals as trade week commences. 

The show also features interviews with important AFL figures, including club list managers and general managers.

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