THE BIGGEST surprise on the opening day of the exchange period was North Melbourne floating the idea that it would consider trading ruckman Hamish McIntosh, if the right deal was presented.

Coach Dean Laidley said clubs had expressed a desire for McIntosh's services and said all deals would be looked at. Laidley said in-and-under ball-winner Daniel Harris and forward Corey Jones are contracted players, likely to remain at this stage.

Reigning premiers Hawthorn lead the race for Sydney Swans star Ryan O'Keefe, who wants to return to his native Victoria. Hawthorn player personnel and strategy general manager Chris Pelchen confirmed O'Keefe was on the club's radar.

Although the Swans understand O'Keefe's intentions, they are still optimistic of keeping him in the harbour city.

Interestingly, Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said the O'Keefe deal couldn't be done, from a Blues' perspective, when he left Telstra Dome.

He added there had been no progression on securing Fremantle ruckman Robbie Warnock. Last week, Carlton was prepared to give Fremantle pick No.24 for Warnock. But Fremantle knocked that on the head.

Although Warnock's preferred destination is the Blues, Melbourne is not out of the mix, with either choice No.17 or No.19 possibly coming into play, should a swap occur.

Fremantle vice-captain Josh Carr wants to return to Port Adelaide, although Power football operations manager Peter Rohde said it was unlikely he would be acquired through this exchange period.

Silky-skilled Magpie Alan Didak, an obvious name floated in the lead-up to this period, after the club suspended him for a much-publicised off-field misdemenour, appears set to remain at Collingwood. The Power showed some interest, but not with selection No.4, although it has stated that pick is on the table.

Geelong midfielder Brent Prismall, who sustained a serious knee injury in the first week of this year's finals series, is being wooed by Melbourne.

Versatile Demon Brad Green is likely to accept a three-year deal and remain in the red and blue – despite interest from Hawthorn and the Swans – and several clubs have targeted Melbourne duo Chris Johnson and Mark Jamar.

Despite West Coast premiership ruckman Mark Seaby being touted as a likely trade, the club believes it is too early to tell what will happen with him. And West Coast is not prepared to part with him lightly. 

Speedster Andrew Lovett was again linked with the Swans, Essendon coach Matthew Knights confirmed.

Bulldog midfielder Farren Ray didn't attract too much interest on the first day, but the club is hopeful he will remain in the red, white and blue.

Big man Justin Koschitzke and classy ball-winner Nick Dal Santo were not even mentioned in trade talks, according to St Kilda recruiting manager John Peake.

Adelaide midfielder Brent Reilly was asked about, but club recruiting manager Matthew Rendell said the Victorian was happy to remain in South Australia.

Clubs enquired about some unnamed Brisbane Lions players, but head of football Graeme Allan said they were contracted.

And Richmond managed to fly under the radar, as the five-day trade period kicked-off.

Trade week 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 on Friday, October 10.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the clubs or the AFL.