High-Profile Player Movements: Curnow, Merrett, Petracca, and Oliver Targeted by Clubs on Day Nine of Trades

Magpies and Lions Complete Draft Trade, Reshaping AFL Landscape

Melbourne, Australia – October 14, 2025 – A strategic trade has been completed between the Collingwood Magpies and the Brisbane Lions, substantially altering both teams’ positions heading into the upcoming Australian Football League (AFL) draft.The deal, finalized today, sees a reshuffling of draft selections aimed at bolstering each club’s ability to secure key prospects.

Key Details of the Trade

Collingwood has strengthened its draft hand by acquiring picks 45 and 56 from Brisbane. In return, the magpies have sent pick 59 from the current draft pool, along with a third-round selection slated for the 2026 draft, which originally came from the Melbourne football Club through the Brody Mihocek deal.

This maneuver is notably noteworthy for Collingwood, as it positions them to potentially match any bid for promising Next Generation Academy (NGA) prospect Zac McCarthy. NGA players, who are tied to specific clubs based on their junior football affiliations, require those clubs to match rival bids to secure their talents.

Strategic Implications for Brisbane

The incoming selections give Brisbane greater versatility in the next two draft periods. The Lions are well-positioned to match a bid for highly-rated academy midfielder Daniel Annable, widely projected to be a top-five pick in the 2025 draft. Having additional draft capital allows Brisbane to navigate the draft with more options and potentially secure multiple desired players.

According to AFL draft experts at AFL.com.au, the ability to strategically manage draft picks is essential for sustained success in the modern AFL.

Seperate Negotiations Continue

It’s significant to note that this trade is entirely separate from any potential discussions regarding Callum ah Chee. brisbane reportedly remains interested in acquiring the Adelaide player, offering pick 16 in exchange, however Adelaide is currently seeking a future second-round pick for the dual premiership winner.

Collingwood Eyes Forward Depth

The acquisition of additional draft picks also increases Collingwood’s chances of securing key forward Jack Buller from the Sydney Swans. Buller’s potential arrival would add valuable depth to the Magpies’ forward line and provide another scoring option.

Team	Picks Received	Picks Sent
Collingwood	45,56	59 (2025),2026 Third Round (via Melbourne)
Brisbane	59 (2025),2026 Third Round (via Melbourne)	45,56

Did You know? The AFL draft system is designed to promote competitive balance across the league by giving teams with poorer records opportunities to acquire top young talent.

Pro Tip: Keeping a close eye on draft picks traded throughout the season can provide valuable insights into which teams are prioritizing specific positions and player types.

What impact do you think this trade will have on Collingwood’s draft strategy?

How will Brisbane utilize the increased flexibility in the upcoming drafts?

Understanding the AFL Draft Process

The AFL draft is an annual event where clubs select talented young players to join their lists.The draft order is largely determined by the finishing positions of teams in the previous season, with the bottom-placed team receiving the first overall pick. This system aims to level the playing field and provide opportunities for clubs to rebuild.

Teams can also trade draft picks with each other, as evidenced by the recent deal between Collingwood and Brisbane. These trades allow clubs to strategically acquire the picks they need to target specific players. The draft is a crucial component of long-term success in the AFL, and teams invest significant resources into scouting and recruiting potential draftees.

Frequently Asked Questions About the AFL Draft

• What is an NGA prospect? An NGA (Next Generation Academy) prospect is a player who has been associated with a club’s academy program, giving that club the first possibility to draft them.
• What is the purpose of trading draft picks? Trading draft picks allows teams to strategically acquire the selections they need to target specific players or improve their overall draft position.
• How does the AFL draft order work? The AFL draft order is primarily based on the reverse order of teams’ ladder positions from the previous season.
• What is a third-round draft pick worth? The value of a draft pick can vary depending on the year and the overall talent pool,but a third-round pick is generally considered a valuable asset.
• Why are clubs interested in acquiring players like Jack Buller? Players like Jack Buller offer immediate impact and potential for long-term progress, addressing key needs within a team’s roster.

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What factors might influence Christian Petracca to remain with Melbourne despite a substantial offer from West Coast?

AFL Trade Period: Key Targets Emerge

Day Nine of the 2025 AFL Trade Period has seen a significant escalation in activity, with several high-profile players becoming central to negotiations. Clubs are aggressively pursuing talent to bolster their lists for the upcoming season. This article breaks down the latest developments surrounding Charlie Curnow, Zach Merrett, Christian Petracca, and Jack Oliver – four players heavily targeted by rival clubs. We’ll cover potential destinations, reported offers, and the likelihood of each move happening, providing insights for AFL fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike. Key terms being searched include “AFL trades 2025”, “player movements”, “trade period news”, and “AFL rumours”.

Charlie Curnow: Carlton’s Star Forward in Demand

Carlton’s Coleman Medalist, charlie Curnow, is attracting considerable interest, particularly from gold Coast.

* Gold Coast’s Offer: Reports suggest the Suns are prepared to offer a lucrative multi-year contract,potentially exceeding Curnow’s current deal with the Blues. This includes significant salary and potentially a leadership role within the club.

* Carlton’s Position: Carlton is understandably reluctant to lose their key forward, but Curnow’s age and the potential for a substantial draft pick compensation could sway their decision. They are reportedly exploring options to retain him, including contract extensions and assurances about the club’s future direction.

* Likelihood: 60%. While Curnow has strong ties to Carlton, the financial incentives offered by Gold Coast are proving difficult to ignore. The Suns are desperate for a key forward and see Curnow as the perfect solution. Related searches: “Charlie Curnow trade”,”Gold Coast Suns trades”,”Coleman Medalist trade”.

Zach Merrett: Essendon Captain facing a Crossroads

Essendon captain Zach Merrett is another player at the center of trade speculation. Brisbane and Port Adelaide have both expressed interest in the prolific ball-winner.

* Brisbane’s pursuit: The Lions are looking to add midfield depth and see Merrett as a perfect fit alongside Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley. They are prepared to offer a combination of draft picks and players.

* Port adelaide’s Interest: Port Adelaide is also keen on securing Merrett’s services, viewing him as a potential replacement for the aging Travis Boak. They are offering a long-term contract and a prominent role in their midfield.

* Essendon’s Dilemma: Losing their captain would be a significant blow to Essendon, but the club might potentially be willing to trade him if they receive a suitable package in return. They are prioritizing securing future draft picks to rebuild their list.

* Likelihood: 45%. Merrett’s loyalty to Essendon is a major factor, but the opportunity to play finals football with a strong contender like Brisbane or Port Adelaide could be too tempting to resist. Searches: “Zach Merrett trade”,”essendon trades”,”Brisbane Lions trades”.

Christian Petracca: melbourne’s Superstar attracting Big Offers

Melbourne’s star midfielder, Christian Petracca, is being heavily linked with a move to West Coast.

* West Coast’s Aggressive Approach: The Eagles are offering Petracca a massive contract, reportedly making him one of the highest-paid players in the AFL. They are also willing to trade future draft picks to secure his signature.

* Melbourne’s Stance: Melbourne is desperate to retain Petracca, who is a key part of their premiership aspirations. They are confident they can match West Coast’s offer, but the lure of being a marquee player in Western Australia is proving difficult to counter.

* Potential Complications: Petracca’s close relationship with several Melbourne teammates could influence his decision. He is also aware of the challenges facing West Coast, who are in a rebuilding phase.

* Likelihood: 30%. While the money on offer from West Coast is substantial, Petracca’s commitment to melbourne and his desire to win another premiership make a move less likely.Keywords: “Christian Petracca trade”, “West Coast Eagles trades”, “Melbourne Demons trades”.

Jack Oliver: Collingwood Midfielder on the Move?

Collingwood’s young midfielder, Jack Oliver, is attracting interest from several clubs, including Fremantle and Adelaide.

* Fremantle’s Need for Midfield Talent: Fremantle is looking to add more young talent to their midfield and sees oliver as a potential long-term solution. They are offering a combination of draft picks and players.

* Adelaide’s rebuild: Adelaide is also keen on securing Oliver’s services as part of their ongoing rebuild.They are offering a long-term contract and a clear pathway to senior opportunities.

* Collingwood’s Assessment: Collingwood is open to trading Oliver if they receive a suitable offer, as they are looking to free up salary cap space and bring in more experienced players.

* Likelihood: 70%. Oliver has struggled to break into Collingwood’s best 22 consistently, and a move to Fremantle or Adelaide could provide him with the opportunity to play