LAST night saw the conclusion of the 2025 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, bringing an end to what was a busy time for Melbourne.
The Dees completed a number of movements across their playing list and draft hand, so here’s a quick rundown on all that happened throughout the past two weeks via both trade and free agency.
PLAYERS TRADED IN
Jack Steele
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome a player of Jack’s character, calibre and experience to the Dees,” Melbourne AFL List Manager Tim Lamb said.
“How Jack goes about his footy, both on and off the field, is incredibly impressive. He is a true competitor, who wants to get the best out of himself as well as those around him.
“We think Jack will be a fantastic addition to our midfield mix, bringing years of experience and strong leadership qualities, and we’re excited by the immediate impact he can have for us.”
Changkuoth Jiath
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Changkuoth to the club,” Lamb said.
“CJ has a unique and impressive skillset; he is strong in the air, and with his athleticism and explosiveness, will provide some great run for us off half back.
“We’ve seen the impact CJ can have at AFL level, and we’re excited that his future is now in red and blue.”
Brody Mihocek
“We’re excited to officially welcome Brody to the club,” Lamb said.
“Brody has been a consistent performer at the elite level for a number of years now, and his presence up forward, as well as his ability to hit the scoreboard, will be a great addition for us.
“He is a terrific character, and we look forward to seeing what he can do in the red and blue.”
Max Heath
“We’re really excited to welcome a tall and physical player in Max to the club," Lamb said.
“We’ve been impressed by Max’s aerial presence and ruck craft, and we look forward to his continued development as a Demon, working alongside our existing rucks in Max Gawn and Tom Campbell.”
PLAYERS THAT DEPARTED
Clayton Oliver
“Clayton has had an outstanding career in the red and blue, and we thank him for his contribution over the past decade,” Lamb said.
“He has produced some exceptional football over the journey and played a crucial role throughout the drought-breaking 2021 season.
“Ultimately, Clayton decided he would like to explore his options during the Trade Period, and we are happy that he has been able to find a new home at the GIANTS.
“Clayton will forever be a Melbourne person and will always hold a special place at the club. We wish him nothing but the best for the future.”
Christian Petracca
“Trac has made an incredible contribution during his time at the Melbourne Football Club,” Lamb said.
“He produced many memorable moments as a Melbourne player, bringing a lot of joy to our members and supporters. His desire and drive to get the best out of himself has been a hallmark of his time in the red and blue.
“While it’s always difficult to part ways with a player of Trac’s calibre, we are confident that a deal of this magnitude allows us to set the club for success whilst also allowing us to fulfil Trac’s request to embark on a fresh start in the Gold Coast.
“We thank Trac, his partner Bella and his extended family for all they have given to the club.
“Trac will always be welcome at our footy club and we and wish him and Bella all the best for this next chapter.”
Judd McVee
“There is no doubt that we wanted Judd to remain in the red and blue, but we respect his decision to return home to Western Australia,” Lamb said.
“Judd has developed significantly in our environment over the past four seasons, growing as both a player and person. We thank him for his contribution and wish him well for what lies ahead.”
Charlie Spargo
“Charlie has been a fantastic contributor to our program since joining us at the end of 2017,” Lamb said.
“He has grown as a person, player and leader within our environment, and we thank him for all he has given during his time at the club.
“Charlie will always be part of the Melbourne family, and we wish him all the best for this next chapter.”
FUTURE DRAFT PICKS
The Demons received a 2026 third-round pick from the Giants for Oliver, while they sent their 2027 third-round pick to St Kilda for Steele.
There was a plethora of future picks swapped with Gold Coast in the Petracca deal - the Demons getting a 2026 second-round pick and giving a 2026 second-round and 2027 third-round pick in return.
A 2026 third-round pick went to Collingwood to land Mihocek, while young ruck Heath crossed over from St Kilda in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick - a historic move, being the first club to officially involve a pick for two years into the future.
THE 2025 TELSTRA AFL DRAFT
Melbourne’s AFL program will now look ahead to the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft, which is set to take place across Wednesday 19 November and Thursday 20 November.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, the Dees will head into the draft with seven selections: 7, 8, 37, 66, 71, 84, 102.
