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AFL trade period grades: Hawthorn earns perfect 10, Bulldogs score 9.5

Big names including a dual Brownlow medallist and a Coleman medallist changed clubs in this year's player movement window

By LineZotpaper
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Hawthorn has been rated a perfect 10 and the Western Bulldogs a near-perfect 9.5 in an analysis of this year's AFL trade period, which saw several high-profile players including a dual Brownlow medallist and a Coleman medallist find new homes.

This year's AFL trade period did not have as many blockbuster moves or cliffhanger deals on the final day as in previous years, but still featured significant player movement. Among the players to switch teams were the league's games record-holder, a dual Brownlow medallist, a seven-time club champion, one of the competition's best on-ballers, an All-Australian defender, a No.1 draft pick, and a Coleman medallist.

Analysts Andrew Wu and Marc McGowan graded every club's performance through the free agency and trade period. Hawthorn received the maximum 10/10 rating after adding Zach Merrett (from Essendon via trade) and Ben King (Gold Coast via free agency), along with Josh Goater from North Melbourne. The Hawks gave up Aidan Schubert, Sam Butler, Finn Maginness, Bodie Ryan, and a series of draft picks, but the report described the haul as a "ragingly successful fortnight" that makes the club closer to a flag.

The Western Bulldogs earned a 9.5/10 rating after landing Jordon Butts (Adelaide free agency), Zak Butters (Port Adelaide free agency), Finn Maginness (Hawthorn trade) and Hudson O'Keeffe (Carlton trade). The club gave up picks 14 and 33 along with future selections. The remaining clubs' grades were not detailed in the analysis available.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • For AFL fans, trade period grades indicate how well teams have positioned themselves for premiership success in coming seasons.
  • Hawthorn's perfect score signals an aggressive push for a flag after building a young core, while the Bulldogs' haul suggests a serious upgrade to their midfield and defence.
  • The moves will shape the 2027 draft landscape, with future picks traded as clubs balance short-term gains against long-term depth.

Background

The AFL trade and free agency period is the annual window when players can move between clubs, typically lasting about two weeks in October. Clubs use the period to fill list gaps, acquire proven talent, or accumulate draft picks for future rebuilding. Hawthorn had been widely expected to be active after a strong 2026 season, while the Western Bulldogs have been contending in recent years and sought to bolster their list.

Key Perspectives

Hawthorn fans and management: The club is in a premiership window and used the trade period to add established stars Zach Merrett and Ben King without sacrificing core young talent, a clear signal of intent. Western Bulldogs supporters: Landing Zak Butters, a dual Brownlow medallist, along with Jordon Butts and Hudson O'Keeffe addresses key needs. Giving up early draft picks is a calculated risk for immediate impact. Other AFL clubs: Some teams may feel the premium placed on ready-made talent is driving up player values, while rebuilding clubs benefit from the draft capital received.

What to Watch

  • The upcoming AFL draft, where clubs with multiple early picks (such as those who received compensation) can stockpile young talent.
  • How Hawthorn's new additions integrate into a young but experienced lineup during the pre-season.
  • Whether the trades for future picks (2027 and 2028 selections) reshape the draft order and influence next year's trade period.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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