With the 2024 AFL season complete, clubs, players, and fans can turn their attention to the trade and free agency periods, with player movement the big focus ahead of the offseason.
Rumours are already swirling in footy circles that a number of high profile players -- such as Bailey Smith, Shai Bolton, and Clayton Oliver -- might be set to find new homes ahead of the 2025 season.
Stay across all the latest movement right here:
Key Dates
Friday, Oct. 4: Free agency period begins (9am)
Monday, Oct. 7: Trade period begins (9am)
Friday, Oct. 11: Free agency period closes (5pm)
Wednesday, Oct. 16: Trade period closes (7:30pm)
Wednesday, Nov. 20: National Draft - Round 1
Thursday, Nov. 21: National Draft - Round 2 until completion
Player movement tracker - every completed deal
Battle joins Hawks
St Kilda defender Josh Battle has officially joined Hawthorn as an unrestricted free agent. The 26-year-old decided to switch to the Hawks following 123 gams at the Saints, where he was initially drafted with pick No. 39 in the 2016 national draft.
Battle, who recently finished third in St Kilda's best and fairest count, adds further depth and important stability to Sam Mitchell's backline.
"We're thrilled to finally welcome Josh, his partner Casey, and children Bobbi and Billie to the Hawks," Hawks list manager Mark McKenzie said.
"Josh is someone we identified as a key acquisition for our club, and we're delighted he's chosen the Hawks in this next phase of his career.
"With more than eight seasons of at the top level, Josh is a proven player who will make an immediate impact in our back six, whilst improving our team on a whole.
"Along with his talents, Josh is a high calibre person who will positively influence the direction of our club going forward."
St Kilda will receive a prized first-round draft pick as compensation for losing the key defender. That pick currently sits at No.8 for the Saints, meaning theit first three picks for this year's national draft are No.7, No.8 and No.25.
Haynes to bolster Blues defence
GWS veteran Nick Haynes will join Carlton on a one-year deal as an unrestricted free agent following 211 games as an inaugural Giant.
Haynes, a 2020 All-Australian and once one of the best interceptors in the game, will look to become an important piece of the Carlton backline, which needs aerial support alongside star Jacob Weitering.
The 32-year-old has shown an ability to play in all areas of the ground, but struggled for consistent matches in 2024 whilst stuck behind Sam Taylor, Jack Buckley, and Harry Himmelberg.
Crows tall officially joins Suns
Versatile key tall Elliott Himmelberg has joined Gold Coast after spending nine seasons with the Crows, where he kicked 49 goals and played 50 games after debuting in 2018.
The 26-year-old played nine matches in 2024.
"Elliott has the talent and experience to help us on the field in the coming years," Suns list boss Craig Cameron said on Friday.
"Our strategy for this trade period is to be targeted with the players we bring in, and Elliott's versatility will complement our existing mix of key position players."
Giants lose another to Magpies
Unrestricted free agent Harry Perryman will join Collingwood on Friday.
Perryman, who played 129 games for the Giants in eight seasons at the club, was reported to have several suiters this offseason, but chose the 2023 premiers as his preferred destination.
The 25-year-old has spent most of his career in defence, but is eyeing an opportunity in the Magpies' midfield.
"I'd like to thank the GWS Giants for presenting me with my first AFL opportunity," Perryman said.
"I will always remember my time at Sydney Olympic Park, and to the players and staff, I am so grateful for the friendships I formed along the eight-year journey.
"Collingwood is the right place for me to progress my football journey and I look forward to meeting the boys and the rest of the program.
"There's also something special about having the opportunity to play for the team you grew up supporting. I can't wait to get started."
Tom's journey continues
Melbourne has secured free agent Tom Campbell, becoming ruckman's fourth AFL club.
Campbell, 32, was delisted by St Kilda following their season, but has signed a new deal with the Demons to lend a helping hand and act as a back up to star ruck and captain Max Gawn.
Campbell has played 58 games at the top level, having previously played with the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne before joining the Saints
The 32-year-old has played 58 AFL games, previously featuring for the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne before joining the Saints in 2022.
Free agent Cumming heads to Adelaide
Isaac Cumming officially got his wish of joining Matthew Nicks and the Crows on Friday morning.
The 26-year-old chose Adelaide as his preferred destination, with Port Adelaide also interested in the running defender's signature this offseason.
Cumming played 81 games after debuting in 2018, but was restricted to just six games for the Giants in 2024 -- including the side's two finals losses -- after struggling with persistent injury issues earlier in the season.