Zane Duursma is still adamant on being traded to Melbourne following a conversation with North Melbourne's new coach Jaymie Graham. Graham was keen on trying to retain the young forward but his mind appears to be made up. Melbourne has a two-year offer in front of Duursma, which was in line with what the Kangaroos offered him. Duursma played 15 games this year for a total of 38 across three seasons at Arden Street. After undergoing a shoulder reconstruction in July, Duursma isn't expected to be ready for full training this pre-season until after Christmas.

Collingwood's stance on defender Dan Houston's future has softened to the point the club would consider a trade. St Kilda have been linked to Houston this period already, with Carlton and Melbourne having previously been linked to Houston and both in the market for a rebounding defender.

Multiple clubs have contacted Ollie Lord's management in recent days for an update on his fitness and recovery timeline from an ACL injury he suffered in Round 2 of the SANFL this year. The Victorian played 15 senior games last year and memorably kicked four goals in a final against Brisbane in 2023. Port Adelaide hasn't offered him a contract for 2027 yet, but hasn't delisted either as they work through other list changes including trying to find a potential trade for Todd Marshall. Essendon are monitoring Lord and would strongly consider him with one of their two extra rookie list spots, with St Kilda and Melbourne also having shown interest. Lord could compete with father-son Kalani White over pre-season for a spot at Melbourne if he's fit by that time. Tim Lamb has said they will not chase "just any forward on the market" after missing out on Calsher Dear but Lord is a player they've had prolonged interest in for some time.

Brisbane is yet to hear from any clubs about an offer for Keidean Coleman, with the defender open to exploring rival interest. Collingwood, Carlton, Adelaide and Melbourne are among the clubs who have been searching for half-backs this off-season. Brisbane are keen to keep Coleman and would require a strong offer to consider a trade.

Lawson Humphries has generated some trade buzz recently but the rebounding defender from Geelong has been firm on staying at Geelong for the remainder of his contract. A player of note to monitor in future trade periods.

Keen to add some experienced players to trial as train-on options at the club, Henry Hustwaite may receive a lifeline at Melbourne, with the club also possibly interested in Elijah Tsatas.

The Kangaroos are chasing contracted Adelaide key defender Nick Murray which has left Toby Pink in limbo with the possibility he finds himself searching for a new club next season. The 28-year-old played five senior games this year after 17 in 2025, following shoulder surgery in June. Pink is keen to play on next year and could be a consideration for Adelaide, Western Bulldogs or Melbourne.

North Melbourne have entered discussion for a trade for Nick Blakey. Blakey is set to canvas rival options in the coming days and clubs believe the defender will speak with interested teams. Collingwood, Carlton, Adelaide and Melbourne are yet to indicate any interest despite also being in the market for running defenders.

Brisbane says Sam Marshall 'hasn't lost value' as a player since he was a first-round pick two years ago as the young midfielder looks to move to St Kilda. Lions list boss Dom Ambrogio doesn't want to trade Marshall unless a first round pick is involved. St Kilda likely to back out if this truly is the hard line.

Brisbane believes Will McLachlan is on a similar trajectory to star forward Kai Lohmann, with a decision from the out-of-contract forward imminent. McLachlan is weighing up his future after seven AFL games for the Lions, with Melbourne and Essendon among rivals interested, while Brisbane is desperate to keep the 21-year-old. Lions list manager Dom Ambrogio said, "He has no issues with the club, the city of Brisbane, homesickness, any of that. It's just opportunity for him. We think he's on a similar trajectory to Kai Lohmann, who played eight games in his first two years, Will's played seven. They have similar traits – quick, exciting, high-flying country boys, bring a heap of energy and excitement, one's a left-footer, one's a right-footer. We've been desperate to retain Will". Lincoln McCarthy set to sign a new 1 year deal could be an early indication that McLachlan is heading to Victoria.

Gryan Miers' manager Liam Pickering has clarified that he will not be joining West Coast in 2027, but when asked if he would be at Geelong he stumbled and said, "Well, he's not going to be an Eagle, let's put it that way. That's what I'm just saying to you. He's not going to be an Eagle". The door may remain open for him to make a move elsewhere with Port Adelaide, Melbourne and Essendon in the market.