AFL Trade News 2025: Biggest Player Moves & Deadline Day Updates

The 2025 AFL Trade Period concluded on October 15th and has jolted the sporting community, with many important trades and deals being suggested and completed before finals with the deadline of 7:30 PM. In sport, player movement is substantial when clubs strategically look to have a better side for the next AFL season.

Major Player Trades And Deadline Day Highlights In AFL Sports

Today one of the largest trades in SPORTS news is the transfer of Oliver Florent to Carlton from Sydney, with Sydney receiving a third-round draft pick in 2026. This is further proof of Carlton's commitment to getting the best out of their playing roster and continuing to add players with high experience to their set-up having done so with their other recent pick-up, Oliver Florent, one of Sydney's rising stars.

Also joined the ranks during the sports move were Connor Budarick going to the Western Bulldogs, Brayden Fiorini joining Essendon, and Will Brodie being traded off to Port Adelaide. These recent actions of sports teams only reaffirmed their desire to add youth and have veterans on their rosters, continuing to begin to improve, which we can only speculate is the final aim of any of these sports trades or transfers.

Key AFL 2025 Trades At A Glance

This table highlights key player moves in the AFL sports trade period, showing how clubs are actively shaping their teams to enhance competition for the 2026 season.

How Sports Clubs Strategize During The AFL Trade Period

AFL Trade period in sports management is an important time for clubs to address the needs of their respective teams. In Australian football, clubs can trade players and draft picks in order to assist in building a better balanced squad, salary cap management, and to maintain on-field competitiveness. Trade periods in sport often become involved processes for many clubs, with staff members often entering into multiple negotiations to ensure that the outcome is favorable.

A Hawthorn defender has got his trade wish landing in the Harbour City. https://t.co/HS52XGVY06

— AFL (@AFL) October 15, 2025

The Impact of AFL Trade Deals On Sports Season 2026

Trades in the sports arena have a huge effect on the balance in competition. Adding new players can enhance the strength of a team, contributing meaningfully to games, standings, etc. Sports fans enjoy following trades because this often hints at which teams will be fan favorites and/or serious contenders.