AFL’s big draft ‘lockout’ call as changes loom; Bulldog requests trade — Whispers

A Bulldog has requested a trade to a rival club. Plus a Sun could form part of a blockbuster Christian Petracca trade.

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AFL DECIDES AGAINST DRAFT ‘LOCKOUT’… BUT STRICTER RULES COMING

The AFL has decided against a draft ‘lockout’ that would’ve disabled clubs from matching early bids on father-son and academy picks.

However there will be a significant tightening of rules from 2026 that would make it harder than ever before to match bids, with clubs’ ladder positions to dictate their access to prospects.

AFL Media reports club bosses were on Monday told there would be no draft ‘lockout’ coming, following blowback from several clubs including Port Adelaide, Essendon, GWS, Carlton and Sydney, when given an update on the league’s plans on the future of the bidding system

For example, that could’ve prevented Carlton from being able to match a match a bid on highly-touted father-son prospect Cody Walker for next year’s draft.

But there will reportedly be stricter regulations for the 2026 draft with the implementation of a grading system. It would mean clubs in varying ladder positions would need to be in zones to match bids.

It would make it harder to match bids, but teams could still have access to players if they were prepared to trade players or surrender the necessary draft capital.

The 10 per cent points discount rule is also expected to be lowered, if not completely reduced, while Tasmania’s list concessions are also set to be confirmed next week.

Clubs will be informed of the updated rules ahead of the trade period.

KHAMIS REQUESTS BLUES TRADE

Western Bulldogs Buku Khamis has reportedly requested a trade to Carlton less than 24 hours after Footscray’s VFL premiership win.

The Age reports Khamis has asked to be traded to the Blues in next month’s exchange window, despite being contracted at Whitten Oval for 2026.

The 25-year old has played 41 AFL games in Luke Beveridge’s side since making his debut in 2021 — including 14 games in 2025 but failing to make any senior appearances from July onwards.

The Dogs are believed to be open to a trade, but won’t give up Khamis lightly given he’s contracted and provides depth at either end of the ground.

Carlton is meanwhile looking to add support to add defensive support around Jacob Weitering following Jack Silvagni’s defection to St Kilda.

Foxfooty.com.au reported last week the Blues and Bulldogs weren’t expected to pursue veteran Melbourne defender Steven May, who’s been told to explore his options.

FLANDERS LINKED TO PETRACCA DEAL

Gold Coast’s Sam Flanders has been linked with a potential Christian Petracca trade.

Nine’s Tom Morris reports Flanders could be part of a trade with Melbourne for Petracca as the Suns gun meets with several Victorian clubs — including the Demons — in search of a new home for 2026.

Foxfooty.com.au revealed Adelaide is growing in confidence of landing Petracca, should the Norm Smith medallist nominate the Crows as his preferred trade destination.

Morris, who first reported Petracca has opened up his options to non-Victorian clubs after seeking as trade 12 months ago, confirmed Adelaide and Gold Coast were “very much in the mix” for the Demons star “if they can pony up” in a trade.

And if it were to be the Suns, a deal could involve Flanders.

“Flanders could be part of this deal, I just want to put that on the agenda early,” Morris said on Nine’s Footy Furnace.

“Sam Flanders is meeting clubs over the next week; one of those clubs will be Melbourne.

“There is a possibility, without locking it in, that Flanders is part of a deal that sends Petracca to the Gold Coast Suns, which would be quite incredible.”

Both Flanders (2027) and Petracca (2029) are contracted to their current clubs.