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The 5 Biggest AFL Trade Rumours Right Now

Jesse Mclure

Editor

Last updated: Thu 28 May 2026 11:32

Jesse Mclure 1 hour ago

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Zach Butters strongly linked to Geelong or the Bulldogs.
Geelong considering veteran Toby Greene; Hewett & Darcy Wilson attract rival clubs.
Ben King’s commitment to Gold Coast reshapes trade momentum.

True Footy's Trade Rumours

The 5 Biggest AFL Trade Rumours Right Now

The AFL trade world is heating up earlier than ever in 2026 and this year, it already feels like the big names are circling.

The 5 Biggest AFL Trade Rumours Right Now
1. Zach Butters to Geelong or the Western Bulldogs?
2. Toby Greene Could End Up at Geelong
3. Elijah Hewett Could Leave West Coast
4. Darcy Wilson Is Suddenly One of the AFL’s Most Valuable Young Players
5. Ben King Staying at Gold Coast Changes Everything

From Zach Butters potentially reshaping the premiership race to Geelong once again lurking around ageing stars, the latest trade discussions paint a pretty clear picture of where clubs think they sit.

Some teams are loading up for flags.

Others are scrambling to keep their future together.

Based on the latest True Footy discussion, here are the five biggest AFL trade rumours right now.

1. Zach Butters to Geelong or the Western Bulldogs?

This is quickly becoming the defining rumour of the year.

The discussion around Zach Butters no longer feels like pure speculation. Even Port Adelaide figures appear aware that his future is likely elsewhere, with Melbourne coach Steven King openly admitting the race may already be narrowed to “a couple” of clubs.

Right now, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs feel like the two strongest fits.

The Bulldogs connection makes sense because Butters supported them growing up. Geelong makes sense because Geelong always makes sense when a superstar becomes available.

And honestly, Butters might be exactly what the Cats are missing.

Despite continuing to outperform expectations, Geelong still lack that explosive prime-age inside midfielder capable of dominating stoppages weekly. Butters changes that instantly.

If Geelong land him, they stop being a clever overachiever.

They become terrifying again.

2. Toby Greene Could End Up at Geelong

Because of course he could.

The most Geelong rumour imaginable surfaced this week, with Toby Greene reportedly attracting interest from the Cats as he weighs up his future.

It sounds ridiculous initially.

Then you think about it for five seconds and realise it actually makes perfect sense.

Geelong have built an entire list strategy around revitalising veteran stars:

Patrick Dangerfield
Isaac Smith
Gary Ablett
Shaun Higgins

Now imagine Greene playing deep forward next to Jeremy Cameron late in his career while Geelong carefully manage his body.

It feels absurdly believable.

The bigger question is whether Geelong prioritise Greene or push everything toward Zach Butters instead.

Long-term, Butters clearly matters more.

But Greene as a free agent-style move would cost almost nothing in trade capital.

That makes this fascinating.

3. Elijah Hewett Could Leave West Coast

This one would hurt Eagles fans badly.

Cal Twomey suggested Elijah Hewett has a genuine chance to be playing in Victoria next season, with Richmond and Essendon both loosely linked.

And while some of it could simply be contract leverage, there’s enough smoke around this to pay attention.

West Coast have reportedly offered Hewett around four years at roughly $700k per season, despite his inconsistent form and recent WAFL stint.

That alone tells you how highly the Eagles still rate his talent.

The problem is timing.

Hewett has struggled for consistency while Harley Reid has exploded into superstardom. The contrast between the two young midfielders is becoming impossible to ignore.

One looks ready to carry a rebuild.

The other still looks unsure where he fits in it.

Richmond and Essendon would absolutely take the gamble because Hewett still has elite AFL traits. Explosive movement, scoreboard impact and midfield versatility are hard to find.

And if West Coast’s rebuild continues drifting, the temptation to leave only grows stronger.

4. Darcy Wilson Is Suddenly One of the AFL’s Most Valuable Young Players

This is not getting talked about enough.

Darcy Wilson is quietly becoming one of the most valuable role-specific players in football, and clubs know it. Adelaide and North Melbourne are both reportedly interested in the St Kilda winger.

The fascinating part is his value.

The boys openly discussed whether Wilson is worth a top-10 pick right now.

Honestly, he probably is.

Elite offensive wingmen are becoming incredibly important in modern AFL systems. Wilson’s endurance, speed and ability to create separation make him exactly the type of player clubs are desperate for.

The Ollie Dempsey comparison from the podcast felt accurate stylistically.

St Kilda are still expected to retain him eventually, but the fact rival clubs are circling this aggressively says a lot about how highly he’s rated internally across the league.

5. Ben King Staying at Gold Coast Changes Everything

Collingwood missing out on Ben King feels bigger than just one player.

The latest reports suggest King is set to reject rival interest and instead sign a shorter two-year extension with Gold Coast.

That’s massive for the Suns.

Not just because they keep an elite key forward, but because it signals genuine belief in what Gold Coast are building.

The podcast made an important point here:

players want to join exciting projects.

And right now, Gold Coast genuinely look like one of the most exciting projects in the AFL.

For Collingwood, though, this hurts.

Not because Ben King alone makes them a premiership team, but because star recruits attract more star recruits. The boys discussed the idea that landing King could have become the domino that attracted players like Bailey Humphrey or even Zach Butters later.

Now that possibility feels far less likely.