The AFL Trade Period usually runs in early to mid October each year, immediately after the season, and lasts for about 9–10 days.

Quick dates overview

  • In 2025, the official AFL Trade Period ran from Monday 6 October to Wednesday 15 October.
  • This timing is typical: it starts on a Monday in early October and finishes mid‑week the following week, branded as “Deadline Day”.

So if you are planning ahead and searching “when is the AFL trade period” for an upcoming season, expect it to sit in that early‑to‑mid October window, with exact dates confirmed by the AFL fixture and key‑dates announcements each year.