AFL Trade Period 2025 Day 7 Recap: Merrett, Curnow, Petracca Deals Stall While Fiorini Heads to Bombers
As the AFL trade period 2025 hurtles toward its deadline, fans are on edge with superstar moves hanging in the balance. Day seven delivered one completed deal but left major questions unanswered for Zach Merrett, Charlie Curnow, and Christian Petracca amid swirling AFL trade news, player movements, trade deadline pressure, rumors, and draft picks.
The spotlight stayed firmly on Essendon’s captain Zach Merrett, who has signaled his desire for a fresh start after 12 seasons without ultimate success. Hawthorn stepped up with an initial offer, reportedly including future picks and possibly a player swap, but Essendon quickly rebuffed it as insufficient. Merrett, a six-time Crichton Medal winner, hasn’t formally requested a trade yet, but sources indicate he’s eyeing a premiership contender like the Hawks. Essendon remains adamant about not letting their leader go cheaply, creating a standoff that could drag into the final hours.
Meanwhile, Carlton’s star forward Charlie Curnow toured Sydney’s facilities, fueling speculation of a blockbuster move to the Swans. Sydney tabled a hefty package: pick 11 this year, a 2026 first-rounder, and players Ollie Florent and Will Hayward. AFL expert Matthew Lloyd called it “overs,” warning the Swans might regret overpaying for the 28-year-old Coleman Medal winner, who has battled knee issues but remains one of the league’s top goalkickers. Carlton, rebuilding after a disappointing season, sees value in the influx of young talent and picks to match bids on academy prospects.
Christian Petracca’s situation at Melbourne adds another layer of drama. The Demons’ midfielder, fresh off a premiership in 2021 but unhappy with club direction, has chosen Gold Coast as his preferred destination. The Suns are poised to offer picks 7 and 8, potentially receiving pick 24 back to sweeten the deal for Melbourne. Petracca’s long-term contract complicates things, but his camp insists on a change for personal and professional reasons. Gold Coast views him as the marquee addition to accelerate their finals push.
In the day’s only finalized trade, Gold Coast midfielder Brayden Fiorini joined Essendon for a 2026 third-round pick. The 28-year-old, an unrestricted free agent, brings experience to the Bombers’ engine room after 113 games with the Suns. Essendon sees him as a depth boost for their midfield, especially amid Merrett uncertainty. This move followed another Suns departure, with Connor Budarick heading to the Western Bulldogs.
Background on these players underscores the high stakes. Merrett, drafted by Essendon in 2013, has been a consistent performer but craves silverware. Curnow, a Carlton lifer since 2015, overcame serious injuries to become a dual Coleman winner. Petracca exploded onto the scene with Melbourne, earning All-Australian honors, but recent off-field tensions have soured his stay.
Experts weighed in heavily on day seven. Jimmy Bartel on Trade Radio questioned Hawthorn’s lowball for Merrett, suggesting they need to up the ante with premium assets. Josh Jenkins echoed concerns, labeling the Hawks’ bid “nowhere near enough.” Public reactions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) show divided opinions—Essendon fans plead for Merrett to stay, while Swans supporters buzz about Curnow’s potential fit alongside Lance Franklin’s successors.
For U.S. readers, the AFL’s trade frenzy mirrors the excitement of NFL free agency or NBA trade deadlines, offering a glimpse into Australia’s passionate footy culture. With AFL gaining traction stateside through ESPN broadcasts and the USAFL league, American fans are discovering the sport’s high-flying marks and brutal tackles. Players like American-born Mason Cox at Collingwood highlight cross-cultural appeal, potentially drawing U.S. athletes to try AFL. This global growth impacts lifestyles by promoting fitness and community events, while economically boosting sports tourism and merchandise sales. As untapped talent pools emerge, AFL could influence U.S. sports training methods, emphasizing versatility over specialization.
The article addresses user intent by providing timely updates, context, and analysis to help fans track developments and understand implications. Management of such trades involves careful negotiation to balance club lists, salaries, and future drafts.
In summary, day seven kept the AFL trade period 2025 alive with tension, as Merrett, Curnow, and Petracca await resolutions. With the deadline looming, expect frantic last-minute action—possibly reshaping multiple clubs’ futures amid AFL trade news, player movements, trade deadline buzz, rumors, and draft picks.
By Sam Michael
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