Colin Sylvia

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

The trade period opened on Monday, October 7 and included the moves of players eligible for free agency. Under AFL rules, clubs can attempt to retain players by matching a rival club's bid. Should they be unable or unwilling to do so, the player is free to move. Clubs losing players under the free agency rule may receive compensatory draft selections.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

In the week after the Grand Final, the free agency period began. The biggest move was Hawk Lance Franklin accepting a nine year deal with Sydney, reportedly worth $10 million. There had been speculation for months as to whether or not Franklin would depart Hawthorn. Initially, GWS was interested in Franklin but backed out. Franklin's manager Liam Pickering said Franklin's decision to move from Victoria was partly due to the relentless hounding he received by the media. Pickering said that when Franklin lost his driver's license in 2012, reporters were camped out in front of his home for several weeks.

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Milestones for Round 16 include:

200 games: Justin Koschitzke (StK) and Luke Ball (COL)
150 games: Colin Sylvia (MELB), Joel Selwood (GEEL) and Nathan Jones (MELB)
100 games: Steele Sidebottom (COLL), Matthew Kreuzer (CARL), Craig Bird (SYD), Trent Cotchin (RICH), Stephen Hill (FREM) and Liam Picken (WB)
50 games: Jordan Roughead (WB), Jeremy Howe (MELB), Levi Greenwood (NM) and Trent McKenzie (GC)
50 club games: Jarrod Harbrow and Jared Brennan (GC)

Brook "Boris" Kilpatrick reporting from the MCG for AFANA

A sunny Saturday afternoon was the setting for the Round 15 clash between a shell-shocked Richmond and a hungry Melbourne. The Tigers had endured a horror week off the field, losing Ty Vickery to season-ending shoulder surgery and team barometer Jake King to a knee injury for four weeks. As if that weren't enough, Dustin Martin was suspended by the club for two weeks in an incident that cost Daniel Connors his Richmond AFL career. Dylan Grimes was also unavailable with ongoing hamstring troubles and Daniel Jackson would be sitting out after being suspended for a love tap on Adelaide's Chris Knights in the previous round.

A Round 23 clash between two struggling clubs would normally not attract a lot of attention but this round had a high level of importance for both Richmond and Melbourne. The Tigers had seemingly lost their way after an exciting start to the season but, coming off a thumping 47 point win against perennial finalist Sydney, they appeared to have their mojo back. If they could pull off a win against Melbourne – a feat they had not managed since Round 18, 2009 – some momentum could be regained as the Tigers move into a very important off-season. Melbourne on the other hand, has had its season torn apart over the past month, going from a highly-touted dynasty built around Trengove, Scully and Watts to a team which sacked its coach after some abysmal late season performances. Amazingly, the Demons could still mathematically make the Finals with a win over Richmond and games against cellar-dwelling Gold Coast and Port Adelaide to follow.

Much has been hoped for from West Coast and Melbourne this year after both teams had disappointing seasons in 2010. For their Round 6 encounter in the west, weather conditions were perfect for football and a close game was tipped.

It would seem the AFL has succeeded in gaining new territory and fans with Melbourne and Brisbane putting on a thrilling show in Shanghai. It was the very first Australian Rules football game ever played in China and the Demons pulled off a stunning come from behind win over Brisbane.

Sydney's Dan Hannebery is the 2010 Rising Star. Just ahead of the first Finals series, Hannebery was presented with the Ron Evans Medal by 2009 winner Daniel Rich from Brisbane.

ST KILDA
Steven Baker, toe fracture, test
Raphael Clarke, hamstring, season, long term injury list
Zac Dawson, hand, test
Robert Eddy, hand, test
Michael Gardiner, hamstring, test
Lenny Hayes, back, test
Clint Jones, ankle, indefinite
Jesse Smith, ankle, season, long term injury list

With the business end of the season approaching, the fight for a spot in the top four is tightening. Finishing top four is important because it means a double chance in the finals. Fremantle has a battle ahead to maintain its current position in fourth place after losing to Richmond in an upset in Round 15. The shock loss of Michael Barlow with a broken tibia and fibula has changed the dynamic of the team.