While the NAB Trade Period doesn't officially kick off until the end of the week, there's been plenty going on behind the scenes already.
Free agency offers start this Friday but clubs will have to wait until 10am on Monday to actually start making trades.
AFL Media's Trade Winds will provide a round-up of the latest action every morning until the end of the Trade Period on Thursday, October 22.
Hawks could snare Yarran
Hawthorn has reportedly entered the race for Carlton speedster Chris Yarran, in a move that will have Richmond anxious about landing its man.
Much of the off-season discussion about Yarran has centred on how he will find his way to Tigerland – his intended destination – but the Herald Sun reports that the Hawks have also signalled their interest in the disgruntled Blue.
The triple reigning premier has become the AFL's No.1 destination club and the prospect of an immediate premiership – as part of a record-equalling fourth successive flag – would appeal to 24-year-old Yarran, who has played just four finals in seven seasons at Carlton.
The Hawks have publicly stated they will be quiet during this trade period due to salary-cap constraints, preferring instead to develop players on their list, but they are masters at securing talent they target.
However, the retirements of veterans Brian Lake and David Hale has freed up some space and there is also the possibility that premiership defender Matt Suckling and Brendan Whitecross could continue their careers elsewhere.
The Hawks have pick No.18 in this year's NAB AFL Draft.
Aish reaches decision time
Brisbane Lions midfielder James Aish is expected to decide his future by Friday.
Aish’s manager Liam Pickering told the Herald Sun he would meet the Lions talent acquisition and retention manager Peter Schwab on Thursday ahead of a likely decision from Aish on Friday.
Aish, who will turn 20 next month, is believed to be keen to join Collingwood, but those plans have been seemingly scuttled by a decree from Lions football director Leigh Matthews, who has declared the Lions won't trade Aish, insisting he could either remain at the club or take his chances in the draft.
"I will have a discussion with Peter (Schwab) tomorrow and we should be clearer on things by the end of the week," Pickering told the Herald Sun.
Schwab told NAB AFL Trade Radio on Wednesday that he expected a decision from the talented out-of-contract midfielder in coming days.
"He hasn't indicated one way or the other but he'll have to do that soon, of course, because trading is starting next Monday," Schwab said.
"We're hopeful that he wants to stay and the longer it's taken, the more confident we've been that that might be the case."
Blues to make Giant play
Carlton will conduct more medical tests on Greater Western Sydney midfielder Liam Sumner – one of several Giants the Blues are interested in.
Sumner, 21, the No.10 pick in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, has played just 12 games in four seasons with the Giants, and none this year after suffering wrist and foot injuries.
The Herald Sun reports the Blues are considering offering a high draft pick in exchange for opportunity-starved Giants like defender Lachie Plowman, ruckman Andrew Phillips and possibly Jed Lamb to help regenerate their list.
