The 2025 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period and Free Agency windows are set to open soon, offering clubs the opportunity to enhance their rosters through strategic player exchanges and draft pick trades. This period, crucial for team building, follows the Grand Final and precedes the Telstra AFL Draft, allowing all 18 AFL clubs to negotiate player movements and draft selections.
The Free Agency period kicks off on October 3 at 9 am AEST and concludes on October 10 at 5 pm AEDT. Meanwhile, the Trade Period will commence on October 6 at 9 am AEDT, wrapping up on October 15 at 7:30 pm AEDT. During these periods, Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio will provide daily coverage from 7 am to 6 pm AEDT, keeping fans updated on the latest player movements.
Understanding the Trade Period
The AFL Trade Period is a 10-day window where clubs can trade players and draft picks. This period is strategically placed between the Grand Final and the AFL Draft, allowing teams to refine their playing lists and draft strategies. Clubs can negotiate trades involving players, draft picks, or a combination of both, with the AFL overseeing and verifying all exchanges.
Key Changes and Dates
This year introduces a significant rule change allowing clubs to trade draft picks up to two years in advance. This means that in 2025, clubs can trade picks for the 2025, 2026, and 2027 drafts. The Free Agency period will run from October 3 to October 10, while the Trade Period spans from October 6 to October 15.
Draft Selections and the Draft Value Index
Draft selections are primarily determined by the reverse order of the finishing ladder from the previous season. For instance, Richmond, finishing 18th in 2025, will have the first draft pick. However, trades and deals can alter this order. A notable example is Hawthorn’s acquisition of Carlton’s future first-round pick, giving them pick 8 in the current draft.
The Draft Value Index (DVI) assigns a points value to each draft pick, ensuring fair trades, especially for father-son and Academy selections. In 2025, a revamped DVI system will be introduced, reducing points for lower-order picks to ensure clubs pay a fair price for players.
Pick No.1 is worth 3000 points, while pick No.2 is valued at 2481 points. The system helps clubs determine if trades are equitable.
Exploring Free Agency
Free Agency provides players with another avenue to switch clubs. There are two types: restricted and unrestricted. Unrestricted free agents, having served eight years at one club and being out of contract, can move freely to a club of their choice. Restricted free agents, often top earners, can receive offers from other clubs, but their current club can match these offers to retain them.
Compensation and Player Movement
The AFL uses a formula to allocate draft picks as compensation for clubs losing free agents. This formula considers the player’s new contract and age, with compensation picks awarded in various rounds depending on the player’s value.
Trade Dynamics and Strategies
While clubs can trade players out of contract, they must seek player consent for those under contract. Players can veto trades they disagree with, ensuring they have a say in their career moves.
Another strategic element is the ‘salary dump,’ where clubs trade high-salary players to manage their salary cap. To incentivize other clubs to take on these contracts, a draft pick may be included in the trade.
Even after the Trade Period closes, clubs can sign delisted free agents and trade draft picks up until and during the AFL Draft on November 19-20.
As the 2025 Trade Period and Free Agency windows approach, clubs are poised to make strategic decisions that could significantly impact their future success. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as teams navigate these critical periods.
