IT TOOK two-and-a-half days, but we finally have had our first trade, with the long-awaited deal sending Tim Kelly to West Coast being completed earlier than many expected.
AFL.com.au's Trade Winds will provide a round-up of the latest developments each morning until the end of Trade Period on Wednesday, October 16.
The favourite son is returning
Carlton supporters are, by and large, up and about with a News Corp report stating fan favourite Eddie Betts is poised to return to the club within days.
The goalsneak, soon to turn 33, played nine seasons at the Blues before crossing to Adelaide for the 2014 season after the Crows had a much more attractive offer on the table.
But after 132 games for Adelaide, Betts is looking to take up a one-year deal with Carlton, which would see the Crows gain pick 48 in return.
TRADE HUB All the latest news
The report says Adelaide will still pay some of Betts' wage, as the dangerous small forward still has a year to run on his contract but wants to return to Victoria to be closer to his partner's family.
Carlton has made a concerted effort to recruit small forwards this trade period, having struggled in that department during matches this year.
Sydney's Tom Papley, Gold Coast's Jack Martin, Richmond's Dan Butler and Port Adelaide's Sam Gray – the former two also capable of having a run in the midfield – have all been linked to the Blues to varying degrees.
GCS - GEEL - GCS?
Could out-of-favour ruckman Zac Smith be on the move back to Gold Coast?
Gold Coast’s interest in the big man was flagged by AFL.com.au last week, and foxsports.com.au has now reported Smith has undergone a medical check at his former club.
Smith, 29, played 65 games for the Suns between 2011 and 2015 as an inaugural player before being traded to Geelong.
He has managed just six AFL games over the past two years, with the Cats rotating through an array of ruckmen including Rhys Stanley, Darcy Fort and Ryan Abbott, and occasionally no ruckmen at all, preferring defender Mark Blicavs.
The Suns are reportedly offering Smith – who is out of contract at Geelong – a two-year deal.
Greenwood for nothing?
The pre-season draft is rarely used these days, especially after the advent of unrestricted free agency, but a News Corp report suggests it could come into play as Adelaide and Gold Coast battle to broker a deal for Hugh Greenwood.
The report says a dispute over the value of Greenwood is holding up proceedings, with the Crows believing he is worth a second-round selection while the Suns are offering an early third-rounder.
INDICATIVE DRAFT ORDER Your club's latest picks
The big-bodied midfielder struggled to hold his spot in the Crows' line-up this year, playing 14 games after managing 22 in 2018.
After finishing last this season, the Suns hold the No.1 pick in the pre-season draft, meaning if an agreement between the two clubs is not reached, the out-of-contract Greenwood could effectively walk to the Queensland side.
The 27-year-old nominated Gold Coast as his club of choice after being drawn by the lure of a longer contract than Adelaide were offering.
WHO'S HANGING UP THE BOOTS? Your club's retirements and delistings
A Giant move on the cards?
Initially reported by AFL.com.au back in May, news has re-emerged that talented young Greater Western Sydney midfielder Aiden Bonar is being eyed off by rival clubs.
Bonar was a first-round draft pick in 2017, but has found it tough to break into a strong Giants line-up, playing six games in two years (including just two this season).
TRADE TRACKER Check out all the moves as they happen
News Corp suggests multiple clubs have expressed an interest in the powerfully built youngster, but any potential deal would be pushed to the back end of the Telstra AFL Trade Period.
Bonar still has another two years to run on his contract.
Saints close to grabbing another
St Kilda has been one of the most active sides during this trade period, a reputation that has been further enhanced with Port Adelaide key-position player Dougal Howard nominating it as his club of choice.
AFL.com.au reported Howard had met with the Saints, North Melbourne and Essendon before making his decision.
TRADE TALK All the latest whispers in our live blog
The 23-year-old Howard joins teammate Paddy Ryder and speedsters Bradley Hill (Fremantle) and Zak Jones (Sydney) in wanting to head to Moorabbin over the off-season.
Howard has two years to run on his contract, but struggled to hold his spot in defence this season, thrown forward before ultimately being dropped to the SANFL.
Get the AFL Trader newsletter in your inbox
Every weeknight during the Telstra AFL Trade Period, we'll send you a snapshot of what you need to know, what it means, and what happens next. Plus, an emoji ranking of the juiciest rumours.
