The AFL Trade period is not called the silly season for nothing as 2023 once again delivered a number of big deals and trade shocks.

1. Jack Ginnivan (Collingwood to Hawthorn)

Probably the biggest bombshell of the period was Jack Ginnivan waiting until things had gone quiet before making himself the centre of attention. His trade request on the penultimate day of the period is a move that will be debated all off-season as the controversial star walks out on the premiers. His behaviour on and off the field raises eyebrows but he has plenty of potential. Hawthorn also did very well in the deal.

Magpies: Pick 33, future second-round pick and a future third-round pick

Hawks: Jack Ginnivan, Pick 39, future second-round pick and a future fourth-round pick

2. Lachie Schultz (Fremantle to Collingwood)

Fremantle admitted even they were surprised Lachie Schultz put in an official request to be traded. The electric small forward was an important asset for the Dockers but wanted to head home to Victoria for personal reasons. Collingwood get a great replacement for Taylor Adams up forward while the Dockers were left a little stiff and will need some shrewd recruiting to make the most of the trade.

Dockers: Pick 34 and a future first-round pick

Magpies: Lachie Schultz

3. Taylor Adams (Collingwood to Sydney)

The Taylor Adams deal happened quickly. He wasn’t on the radar much before the trade period started but his deal was done inside three days. Fantasy players will be well acquainted with Adams who has played a vital forward/midfield role for the Pies. He missed the grand final triumph with injury and Collingwood didn’t fight too hard in the deal.

Magpies: Pick 33

Swans: Taylor Adams

4. Liam Henry (Fremantle to St Kilda)

The Fremantle speedster had to wait as the Dockers haggled with St Kilda but the deal was always getting done eventually. Liam Henry had a breakout season in 2023 but expressed his desire to reunite with Ross Lyon and Brad Hill early on. Another deal Fremantle will not be completely satisfied with.

Dockers: A future second-round pick and future fourth-round pick

Saints: Liam Henry and a future fourth-round pick

5. Brodie Grundy (Melbourne to Sydney)

Everyone knew the deal was coming but it has been a truly strange road to the Swans for Brodie Grundy. Just four years ago he was one of the big three ruckman in the competition, dominating around the ground for Collingwood. But he fell out of love with the Pies as long-term injury struck. He moved over to the Demons to join forces with fellow big three member Max Gawn. Instead of becoming the dynamic duo they hampered each other, taking away strengths. It left Grundy languishing in the VFL before the inevitable call to leave again.

Demons: Pick 46 and Future second-round pick

Swans: Brodie Grundy

6. Jack Billings (St Kilda to Melbourne)

Jack Billings was a big name at the Saints in 2021 as he joined the leadership group the year after helping his side to a finals appearance. But he has fallen off across the last 12 months and will enjoy a fresh start at the Demons. The deal got done late and Melbourne will be stoked if they can re-light Billings’ fire.

Saints: future third-round pick

Demons: Jack Billings

7. Xavier Dursmaa

Port Adelaide youngster Xavier Duursma was among a fleet of youthful stars to revitalise the Power and his desire to leave must have come as a surprise. It came in handy for the South Australian club to nab Brandon Zirk-Thatcher from the Bombers with the 36th and final trade of the period. They also got a range of late and future picks.

Power: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, pick 73 and two future fourth round picks

Essendon: Xavier Duursma