The AFL trade and free agency period has exploded into life this week, with a flurry of high-profile moves and behind-the-scenes negotiations reshaping the league’s landscape. Two of the most notable developments came as Brody Mihocek, Collingwood’s reliable forward and 2023 premiership hero, announced his move to Melbourne, while Essendon’s injury-plagued ruckman Sam Draper officially joined reigning back-to-back premiers Brisbane Lions. These moves, along with other strategic trades and contract decisions, are setting the stage for a dramatically different 2026 season.
Brody Mihocek’s departure from Collingwood marks the end of an era for the Magpies. The 32-year-old forward played 159 games across eight seasons in black and white, notching up an impressive 267 career goals since debuting in 2018. His 47-goal haul in the 2023 season was instrumental in Collingwood’s premiership run, and his consistency as a five-time leading goalkicker made him a fan favorite at the club. Now, Mihocek embarks on a new challenge, signing a two-year deal with the Melbourne Demons as an unrestricted free agent.
Mihocek’s move comes at a pivotal time for Melbourne, who are in the midst of a significant rebuild under new coach Stephen King. The Demons, looking to bolster their depleted forward stocks and inject experience into their lineup, see Mihocek as a critical piece of the puzzle. “Brody has played a key role within our football program over the past eight years, and we thank him for his contribution to the black and white,” Collingwood list manager Justin Leppitsch said in a club statement. “We respect Brody’s decision to pursue his free agency rights and explore opportunities at Melbourne. We wish him, his partner Polly, and their son Arthur all the best for this next chapter. As a 2023 premiership player, Brody will always be a Collingwood person.”
Mihocek’s decision to leave Collingwood was influenced by the opportunity to play a leading role at Melbourne, where his experience and goal sense will be highly valued. With his contract expiring at the end of the 2025 season, Mihocek will be 34 by the end of his stint with the Demons, bringing veteran leadership to a side aiming to return to finals contention. The move also arrives as Collingwood secures the services of Jamie Elliott, who turned down interest from the Gold Coast Suns to re-sign with the Magpies for another two years, ensuring some stability in their forward line despite Mihocek’s departure.
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Lions have landed a significant coup by securing Sam Draper from Essendon. Draper, 27, has battled a series of injuries during his nine years with the Bombers, but his potential remains undiminished. As an unrestricted free agent, Draper’s paperwork was officially lodged on October 4, 2025, making his move to the Lions immediate. Essendon, unable to match the offer, will receive end-of-first-round compensation—currently pick number 20—further strengthening their draft hand for the upcoming season.
Draper’s move to Brisbane is seen as both a fresh start for the ruckman and a strategic addition for the reigning premiers, who are looking to maintain their dominance. Draper played 78 games for Essendon and cited his injury troubles as a key reason for seeking a change of scenery. The Lions, with their formidable midfield and strong recent history, offer Draper a chance to reignite his career and compete for further premiership success.
Essendon, meanwhile, is in the midst of a major rebuild. The club now boasts five draft selections inside the top 30, a haul that could grow if, as expected, they trade disgruntled captain Zach Merrett. The compensation for Draper’s departure adds to their arsenal, positioning the Bombers to reshape their list and address key weaknesses after a challenging period.
The trade period’s intrigue doesn’t stop there. Gold Coast midfielder Sam Flanders has nominated St Kilda as his preferred destination over both Melbourne and Essendon. The Saints’ recruitment team, including coach Ross Lyon, head of talent Graeme ‘Gubby’ Allan, list boss Stephen Silvagni, and star players Bradley Hill and Marcus Windhager, pulled out all the stops to convince Flanders, reportedly hosting him at an Italian dining spot to discuss the club’s future. St Kilda has tabled pick 7 for Flanders, a move that could help Gold Coast unlock a trade for Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca, who has already requested a move north.
St Kilda’s aggressive approach in the free agency and trade market is further underscored by the official signings of Carlton stars Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, who joined the Saints when the free agency window opened on October 3, 2025. The club is also in negotiations over pick swaps for West Coast forward Liam Ryan and is actively pursuing GWS defender Leek Aleer, with future second and third-round picks potentially in play. This flurry of activity signals the Saints’ intent to quickly climb the ladder and challenge for a top-eight spot in 2026.
Elsewhere, the trade rumor mill continues to churn. Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver was spotted on Sydney Harbour with GWS coach Adam Kingsley and football boss Jason McCartney, fueling speculation of a potential move to the Giants. While no deal has been finalized, the sighting suggests that Oliver’s future at the Demons could be in doubt, adding another layer of drama to an already hectic trade period.
Collingwood, still reeling from Mihocek’s departure, has also dealt with the unusual situation of Bobby Hill, the 2023 Norm Smith medallist. Hill, who has faced serious personal issues this year, was granted permission by the Magpies to play in an Indigenous Victorian football carnival after missing both of Collingwood’s finals. Coach Craig McRae left the door open for Hill’s return should the Magpies progress further in the postseason, but his absence has certainly been felt.
With so many moving parts, this year’s AFL trade and free agency period is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent memory. Clubs are taking bold steps—whether it’s the Demons investing in proven talent like Mihocek, the Lions banking on Draper’s upside, or the Saints overhauling their roster with a mix of star power and youthful promise. Fans across the country are watching closely, eager to see how these moves will impact the coming season.
As the dust settles on these headline-grabbing deals, the AFL’s landscape looks markedly different. The next few weeks promise even more twists as negotiations continue and clubs finalize their lists for 2026. For now, the excitement and uncertainty of trade season reign supreme, keeping supporters and insiders alike on the edge of their seats.
