AFL

For most of the year we have been hearing about potential AFL trades, but when does the period actually finish?

Read more ANJL Warns Ban on Legal Betting Operators Could Double Brazil’s Illegal Market

Will Zach Merrett get to Hawthorn?

Can Rowan Marshall finally secure a move to Geelong

The Sporting News has all the key timing details for the AFL player movement period.

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).

When is the 2026 AFL draft?

The 2026 AFL national draft will take place on November 19-20.

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. 

Read more Football

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.

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. 

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. 

Read more NRL