Overview

• The AFL trade period begins Monday with the spotlight on Melbourne midfielders Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver.
• Petracca has identified Gold Coast as his preferred destination, while Oliver has been told to explore options after meeting GWS figures in Sydney.
• Steven May has been encouraged to gauge interest as the Demons reshape their list, with Brody Mihocek set to arrive, Bailey Humphrey a target, Judd McVee seeking Fremantle, and Charlie Spargo joining North Melbourne as a free agent.
• Essendon captain Zach Merrett remains closely linked to Hawthorn after talks with Sam Mitchell, Carlton forward Charlie Curnow is drawing interest from Geelong and Sydney, and former St Kilda captain Jack Steele is weighing his future despite two years left on his deal.
• Early free agency has delivered Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni to St Kilda and Oscar Allen to Brisbane, while further shifts are being discussed such as Brandon Starcevich expected at West Coast and St Kilda eyeing Liam Ryan, Leek Aleer and Sam Flanders.