Essendon

John Longmire is leaving the Sydney Swans, ending a long and highly successful tenure as senior coach. The news has immediately sparked speculation about his next move, with SEN commentator saying Longmire would be Essendon's best coaching appointment in 25 years, framing him as the ideal candidate for a club that has struggled to find stability in the role.

AFL trade talk is focused on Sydney defender Nick Blakey, with North Melbourne making a big play to bring him to the club. Reports say the Kangaroos and Swans have stalled on agreeing a deal, while Essendon is working multiple trades and GWS star Lachie Whitfield's future remains in limbo. Fans are closely tracking the negotiations.

AFL trade news is drawing attention ahead of the trade period, with reports suggesting former Essendon forward Jake Stringer may have found a new home. Richmond football boss Tim Hartley has also spoken out, saying the club believes it is still well placed for the trade period, while ESPN reports heavyweight trades are looming large over the free agency window.

Daniel Pratt has joined Essendon as the club's latest off-field signing, leaving his role as a highly rated assistant coach at the Western Bulldogs. The move adds experience to new coach Brad Scott's backroom team as the Bombers continue rebuilding their football department ahead of the upcoming AFL season.

Essendon say they place 'very high trade value' on defender Jordan Ridley as rival AFL clubs circle for his signature. The Bombers have signalled they will not let the key defender go cheaply, with multiple clubs reportedly expressing interest ahead of the trade period. Discussion is focused on whether Ridley will stay at Essendon or be traded.

Ben King, the Gold Coast Suns key forward, is at the centre of AFL trade discussions, with coverage in The Mercury tying his situation to broader player movement debates. Essendon captain Zach Merrett has separately said stability was the reason behind his own trade deliberations. Fans are weighing what security and club culture mean for stars like King weighing their futures.

Essendon have added former Bombers player Paul Thomas to their coaching staff as an assistant, alongside Mark McVeigh. The move comes as James Hird's return to the club draws attention, with commentary noting a sad twist for the former coach amid the ongoing reshuffle of the football department. Fans are discussing the club's habit of turning to familiar former players for coaching roles.

North Melbourne is driving a busy AFL trade period, while Essendon has emerged as a suitor for Brisbane Lions defender Keidean Coleman, according to AFL.com.au. Hawthorn, meanwhile, is looking to step up negotiations over Day. The reports have stoked speculation about a frenzy of player movement ahead of the trade deadline.

AFL veteran Jake Stringer has met with former club Essendon about the possibility of a surprise return to the Bombers. The meeting has drawn attention from fans and commentators, with many questioning whether the club would bring back the experienced forward after his departure. Details of the discussions and whether a deal is close have not been confirmed.

AFL trade period talk is centring on Geelong, with reports the Cats have secured a significant deal as part of what is being described as a stunning list overhaul. Comments linked to Essendon defender Jordan Ridley have added to speculation about his future, with fans and commentators debating whether Geelong's aggressive recruiting drive could reshape their premiership window.

Attention on Essendon's player contract situation comes as the AFL signs off on a blockbuster five-team trade, with Zak Butters officially unveiled by the Western Bulldogs. Fans are closely following contract updates and list moves across the league during a busy trade period, with Essendon among the clubs drawing interest over the futures of their players.