The Continental Tyres Trade Period will start on Monday, October 5 and run until Wednesday, October 14, with a prime time finish again, while the free agency week will commence on Friday, October 2 and go through until Friday, October 9.
The Pies are set for a busy period with plenty of talent mooted to be joining the black and white.
Here are all your questions answered about this year's player movement window.
What is the Trade Period?
- A 10-day window that occurs following each year's Grand Final, but before the Telstra AFL Draft, allowing all 18 clubs to exchange players and draft picks in a formal setting.
- It gives clubs a chance to improve their playing list or selections at the Draft.
Who and what can be traded?
- Players and draft picks, or a combination of both. Participating clubs deem what's a fair exchange, although ultimately it is verified by the AFL.
- Clubs are now able to trade picks two years in advance. It means clubs can trade picks for the 2026 draft this year as well as 2027 and 2028.
- Most trades involve two clubs, but exchanges involving three or more are allowed.
What is Free Agency?
- Free Agency gives players another vehicle to change clubs.
- There are two types of free agents – restricted and unrestricted.
- Unrestricted free agents have served eight years or more at one club, are out of contract, and can automatically move to the club of their choice. There is no need for a trade. This includes any player that has been delisted. They are called delisted free agents and can go to any club that wants them without needing a trade.
- Restricted free agents are a little trickier. They have served eight years or more with one club and are in the top 25 per cent of wage earners at that club – often among the 'star' players of a team. Opposition clubs can make an offer to lure these players. If the offer is matched – both in duration and financially – by their current club but the player still wants to move, a trade then has to be struck.
What is Free Agency compensation?
- The AFL will allocate draft picks to clubs with a net loss of free agents over one Trade Period, using a formula it has devised.
- The formula produces a points rating for players based on: the new contract of the free agent and the age of the free agent. Draft picks will be allocated in one of five places – first round (immediately following that club's current selection), end of first round, second round, end of second round, or third round.
