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AFL Trade Rumours 2026: Neale, Butters, Warner, Petracca & More

Jesse Mclure

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Last updated: Tue 08 Sep 2026 08:34

Jesse Mclure 2 hours ago

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Lachie Neale, Jesse Hogan close to joining Collingwood.
Geelong leads pursuit of Zak Butters; Chad Warner linked to West Coast.
Key players like Petracca, Blakey, and Merrett headline ongoing trade speculation.

True Footy's Trade Rumours

AFL Trade Rumours: Neale, Butters, Warner, Petracca and More

The 2026 AFL season might still be alive, but the trade market is already gathering serious momentum.

AFL Trade Rumours: Neale, Butters, Warner, Petracca and More
Lachie Neale to Collingwood
Jesse Hogan to Collingwood
Zak Butters to Geelong
Zach Merrett to Hawthorn
Zac Bailey to Adelaide
Christian Petracca Could Leave Gold Coast
Nick Blakey's Sydney Future in Doubt
Chad Warner to West Coast
Joel Amartey to Carlton
Trent Rivers to West Coast or Brisbane
Zane Duursma to Melbourne
Jordan Ridley to North Melbourne
Jack Bowes Drawing Interest
Luke Pedlar Set to Leave Adelaide
Sam Marshall Has Four Victorian Suitors
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher Open to a Move
Jordan De Goey's Management Tests the Market

This week's True Footy trade update covered everything from deals that appear close to completion to some much more speculative moves. Collingwood, Geelong, Sydney and West Coast are particularly prominent as clubs begin positioning themselves for a massive off-season.

Here are the major AFL trade rumours discussed on the podcast.

Lachie Neale to Collingwood

Lachie Neale's move from Brisbane to Collingwood was described as "just about done", although no announcement is expected while the Lions remain in the finals. Neale has reportedly toured Collingwood and passed a medical. The move would give the Magpies another elite first-possession midfielder and potentially ease the enormous workload currently being carried by Nick Daicos.

Jesse Hogan to Collingwood

Collingwood could also add Jesse Hogan. The GWS forward has reportedly passed a medical with the Magpies, with growing confidence that he wants to make the move. Gold Coast remain another potential destination, while Carlton have reportedly offered Hogan a two or three-year deal.

Zak Butters to Geelong

Geelong appear to be leading the race for Zak Butters. The Port Adelaide star reportedly prefers the Cats, although the Western Bulldogs are firmly in contention and Adelaide are also interested, with Richmond described as a distant third option. The complicated part could be how the deal gets done, with the AFL reportedly watching any attempt to combine free agency compensation with a separate trade.

Zach Merrett to Hawthorn

Zach Merrett's future remains less certain. The Essendon captain has reportedly not ruled out staying and is expected to meet with Mark McVeigh, while Essendon are believed to have softened their stance on allowing him to leave. Hawthorn remain the major suitor, with a reported four-year, $4 million offer on the table.

Zac Bailey to Adelaide

There is still no definitive answer on Zac Bailey. The podcast discussed conflicting reports over whether the Brisbane star is leaning towards staying or leaving, with Adelaide continuing to loom as the alternative. A reported gap of around $200,000 per season between the offers could ultimately prove decisive.

Christian Petracca Could Leave Gold Coast

One of the more surprising rumours concerns Christian Petracca. Rival clubs reportedly believe Petracca and Gold Coast could be open to separating after just one season amid reported tension between player and club. However, the podcast stressed that a trade is still considered highly unlikely, while the reports themselves have also been disputed.

Nick Blakey's Sydney Future in Doubt

Nick Blakey's situation could become one of the most fascinating stories of the off-season. The podcast referenced a report that his relationship with Sydney has deteriorated to the point where a departure is possible. Sydney have disputed that Blakey has told them he wants to leave, and he remains contracted.

Chad Warner to West Coast

West Coast continue to court Chad Warner, with the podcast suggesting Western Australia would be his most likely destination if he leaves Sydney. The big question is whether the Eagles make their move now and potentially put Pick 3 on the table, or wait another year with Warner approaching free agency.

Joel Amartey to Carlton

Joel Amartey remains linked with Carlton. The latest report discussed on the show suggested Amartey would prefer to remain with Sydney if the Swans can close the financial gap, but Carlton becomes the likely destination if they cannot. A move would also give Amartey a clearer opportunity alongside Harry McKay.

Trent Rivers to West Coast or Brisbane

Trent Rivers is expected to request a trade from Melbourne, with West Coast and Brisbane identified as possible destinations. The podcast viewed West Coast as the more obvious fit, although Brisbane could enter the picture depending on what happens with Zac Bailey.

Zane Duursma to Melbourne

Alastair Clarkson's departure from North Melbourne reportedly hasn't changed Zane Duursma's intention to seek a trade. Melbourne remains the club most strongly linked with the young forward, who has an existing connection after playing for Casey during his draft year.

Jordan Ridley to North Melbourne

Jordan Ridley is reportedly leaning towards North Melbourne. The Kangaroos need defensive reinforcements and the podcast viewed Ridley as a high-level AFL defender when fit, although his injury history remains the obvious concern.

Jack Bowes Drawing Interest

North Melbourne have reportedly joined Essendon in pursuing Geelong's Jack Bowes. The podcast was less convinced by this potential move, questioning exactly where Bowes would fit into North's best side.

Luke Pedlar Set to Leave Adelaide

Luke Pedlar reportedly won't be at Adelaide next season. Carlton, Essendon and Port Adelaide are all chasing the former first-round pick, with his pressure and physicality potentially offering value to a new club despite an inconsistent career with the Crows.

Sam Marshall Has Four Victorian Suitors

Brisbane youngster Sam Marshall is attracting significant interest, with Melbourne, St Kilda, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs all reportedly chasing the midfielder. No clear frontrunner was identified in the podcast.

Could Dion Prestia Play Again?

Dion Prestia has retired, but his AFL career might not necessarily be finished. GWS have approached him about a development role, while both the Giants and Essendon have reportedly left open the possibility of a playing contract.

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher Open to a Move

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher is open to exploring his options despite having three years remaining on his Port Adelaide contract. Unlike several other players discussed, there are currently no specific clubs linked with the defender.

Sam De Koning to St Kilda

St Kilda have increased their interest in Sam De Koning after the defender missed selection for Geelong's elimination final. Of the quick-fire rumours discussed late in the show, this was one the boys felt increasingly looked like it could happen.

Jordan De Goey's Management Tests the Market

Jordan De Goey's management has reportedly contacted rival clubs to gauge interest. Tasmania are expected to make a major play ahead of their 2028 entry, while De Goey is reportedly seeking around $1 million per season for three years beyond 2027 to remain at Collingwood.