AFL: There’s less than a week to go until the trade deadline!
Stay across the latest news and developments from Day 5 of the trade period here.
It’s a big week for the Graham family
Earlier this week, Jaymie Graham took the latest step in his coaching journey by being appointed to North Melbourne’s top job — and in the coming weeks, his son will try to achieve an AFL dream of his own.
Read our exclusive chat with Hudson Graham here.
Butler requests Suns trade
You imagine Gold Coast and Hawthorn will have each other on speed dial after this trade period with Sam Butler officially requesting a trade to the Suns, according to AFL.com’s Josh Gabelich.
It follows Aidan Schubert’s request to the Suns as they look to cover the loss of Ben King to the Hawks
Fire up, Bulldogs fans
Here’s the video the club put together for Zak Butters.
And there it is - Butters a Bulldog
Western Bulldogs have released a video along with his signing in case you didn’t already understand the magnitude of the move.
Nine-year deal. Massive
Confirmation that Port Adelaide will receive pick No.5
“It’s felt like a long time coming to get to this point, but since I decided to commit to the Bulldogs, I have just wanted to get in the building as soon as possible and meet everyone,” Butters said.
“For me, I grew up looking up to the Bulldogs players and idolising them. To be in the position now to be that role model in the west that can hopefully inspire other kids to chase their dreams and play AFL, it is really special.
“Growing up as a Bulldogs supporter and growing up in the west, my parents and family all still live in the area, it is a special place to me.
“I’ll be so excited to run out in front of our fans. For a few years I probably thought it was never going to be possible – to put the colours on for the team you grew up loving and supporting.”
List manager Michael Regan said the signing is a clear statement of intent.
“He is a proud son of the west, having dreamed of wearing red, white and blue since he was a boy and clearly has an exciting vision for our football Club as we continue to strive for sustained success.
“He will add enormous quality to our midfield and invaluable leadership experience within our locker room, having previously been captain at Port Adelaide.”

Butters will surely be done today
Now that the mega trade is done this is surely a formality.
Tiger trio delisted
Tyler Sonsie, James Trezise and Samson Ryan have all been delisted by Richmond.
Sonsie is perhaps the biggest surprise, having played 15 games this season.
Trezise was a mid-season draftee in 2023, playing 38 games, while Ryan played 31 games after being taken at pick No.40 in 2020.
“We thank Tyler, James and Samson for their efforts across their time with the Club,” Tigers general manager Blair Hartley said.
“Each gave their all across multiple years with us, and we wish them well for their future pursuits on and off the field.”
Five-club trade approved
It’s even more confusing when broken down into its individual parts.
Port Adelaide
Gets: Picks 6, 10, 2027 R1 (Melbourne), 2028 R1 (Bulldogs)
Gives: Picks 4, 46, 81, 2027 R2, 2027 R3, 2027 R4, 2028 R2, 2028 R3, 2028 R4
Western Bulldogs
Gets: Finn Maginness, Hudson O’Keeffe, picks 81, 87, 2027 R2 (Port), 2027 R3 (Melbourne), 2027 R4 (Port), 2028 R2 (Port), 2028 R3 (Port), 2028 R4 (Melbourne)
Gives: Picks 12, 31, 2028 R1
Melbourne
Gets: Picks 4, 12, 31, 46
Gives: Picks 6, 10, 87, 2027 R1, 2027 R3, 2028 R4
Hawthorn
Gets: 2027 R3 (Port Adelaide)
Gives: Finn Maginness
Carlton
Gets: 2028 R4 (Port Adelaide)
Gives: Hudson O’Keeffe
Ben King is officially a Hawk
The Suns will get pick No.7 as compensation for the key forward who has 131 goals from the last two seasons.
Aidan Schubert will likely end up at the Suns in a separate deal.
“We welcome Ben to Hawthorn; he’s a massive addition to what we are building towards as a club,” list manager Mitch McKenzie says
“Over a number of seasons, Ben has proven himself to be one of the AFL’s premier key forwards, consistently hitting the scoreboard as a tall target in attack with elite accuracy.
“At 26, Ben joins the Hawks at the peak of his powers with his strong attributes further enhancing what our exciting forward line looks like in 2027 and beyond.
“While Ben is clearly a highly talented individual, he’s also a person of high character who we know will make an immediate impact within our program.”
Premiership Swan to join Crows
In a left-field move, Harry Cunningham is being delisted by Sydney and will join Adelaide on a two-year deal through the rookie draft.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Swans for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream. Coming to the club as a 17-year-old from Wagga, I never imagined I’d still be here 15 years later,” Cunningham said in a Sydney statement.
“I’ve been lucky enough to experience some amazing highlights in the red and white, from big finals and packed-out SCG’s to playing alongside some incredible players.”
The 32-year-old played 233 games with the Swans and with an eye on coaching post playng career.
Gold Coast won’t match Hawks’ King bid
Ben King will be a Hawk with the Suns unsurprisingly not electing to match Hawthorn’s bid for the key forward.
The preliminary finalists have added Zach Merrett and King and are looming as favourites for next year.
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