Everitt thinks shortening the annual player exchange period could alleviate stress for players involved and cut back on wasted time, with the three-club veteran saying clubs go into the week already possessing a strong idea which players they are prepared to deal and who might be available.
Everitt was traded twice, once from St Kilda to Hawthorn and more recently from the Hawks to the Swans.
He says neither experience was much fun.
The former star ruckman, who played 291 senior AFL matches, thinks the league should review its trade week process.
"It's not a pleasant week," Everitt told afl.com.au.
"It doesn't matter if you make it 24 hours or 48 hours, the same deals are going to get done.
"Coaches and clubs … they know exactly what they want to go in there with and most of the clubs know exactly what's up for grabs anyway.
"It's a hidden fact to the public but not really between themselves."
While some might agree with Everitt, others believe a full five days are necessary to ensure neither club nor player makes a rash decision.
However he disputed that view.
"You know well and truly before … it could be done a lot quicker," he said.
Having endured a couple of "nervous" waits during his career, Everitt knows how many players are feeling this week as they await news on their footballing futures.
"The hardest thing is the player doesn't have a say on where he goes or what he does," he said.
"Unfortunately the club controls everything … it's a nervous week but it's out of your control."
While players must agree to be traded to an AFL club, Everitt said players often found themselves in difficult positions.
"If a club kind of says they don't want you, why do you want to be there?" he asked.
"And in other terms, if a player says he wants to go, why would a club want to keep him?"
The 201cm giant said a trade – or attempted trade – could sometimes go wrong, leaving a player in a tough spot.
"The players' (teammates) will question that later on through the year," Everitt said.
"If you decide you want out and then it doesn't come through, no doubt they have an obligation to question you and if you're fully committed.
"I was questioned when I tried to get to Sydney in 2006 and it didn't come through.
"Certain players in the leadership group then at Hawthorn questioned it and they had the right to do so … it's a tough, nervous week for everyone."
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The 2008 AFL exchange period runs from October 6-10, 2008. Please note, no trades are official until paperwork has been accepted by the AFL and formally recognised after 2pm EST on Friday, October 10.
Follow all the ins and outs of football’s most intriguing week at afl.com.au/trade. Track every trade as it is confirmed, plus the very latest news via our twitter feed.
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