The AFL trade period is producing several storylines heading into the new week. Jake Stringer, the veteran forward, met with Essendon about a possible return to his former club. The Sydney Swans turned down an approach for a player currently serving a suspension. Collingwood has struck an obstacle in at least one trade it is pursuing.

Separately, some figures in the game are pushing to scrap a contested element of the trade period format, though no changes have been confirmed. The period continues, with clubs still working through deals.