AFL trade period opens with Butters, Merrett and King moves in focus

The AFL trade period has opened with several high-profile players and draft selections at the centre of negotiations between clubs. Zak Butters is among the leading names linked with a move, with Port Adelaide discussing a possible deal with the Western Bulldogs. Port list manager Jason Cripps said talks were still at an early stage and that the club was examining the value of the Bulldogs’ fourth and fifth draft picks.

He said Port expected a package involving selections and draft points, and would assess the market before deciding how to proceed. The club is taking a longer-term view rather than considering a single trade in isolation. North Melbourne list manager Brady Rawlings said midfielder Zane Duursma had requested a trade to Melbourne.

North would prefer to retain him and could seek to persuade him to stay if Melbourne did not offer sufficient value. North is also discussing a deal with Adelaide for key defender Nick Murray. Rawlings said the club had a significant need in that position and could use a future first-round pick to pursue the move.

Melbourne’s Tim Lamb said the Demons were strongly focused on the draft. He acknowledged discussions about Duursma but said the clubs valued the player differently. Melbourne had not been told that Trent Rivers wanted to leave, he added.

Richmond is considering its draft strategy and confirmed Jayden Short is assessing options elsewhere. St Kilda said negotiations involving Rowan Marshall continued, while West Coast expressed doubt that Geelong’s Gryan Miers would move west. The period is also expected to involve moves for rucks and key-position players.

Clubs are balancing immediate list needs with the impact of Tasmania’s entry and future draft changes.