The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs.

No trades have been finalised yet but plenty has been discussed, with several deals inching towards eagerly awaited conclusions. 

A couple of free agency moves have been made, with Tom Rockliff officially joining Port Adelaide, days after the Power lost Jackson Trengove to the Western Bulldogs.

AFL.com.au's Trade Winds will provide a round-up of the latest action each morning until the end of the NAB AFL Trade Period on Thursday, October 19. 

Possible solution to Ablett deal

Gary Ablett's path back to Geelong could be made much simpler if exciting Cat Steven Motlop elects to go to Gold Coast, according to The Age.

In that situation, a trade centred around those two players could be made, rather than Motlop joining the Suns as a free agent.

Motlop is having a break in Darwin as he decides whether he wants to become a Sun, Crow or Power player.

The Australian believes Geelong has put up as many as seven names – including Darcy Lang and George Horlin-Smith – as possibilities to send to Gold Coast, but they have either refused to go to the Queensland-based club or have been rejected by the Suns.  

Watts still in play

Out-of-favour Melbourne forward Jack Watts is no certainty to land at Port Adelaide, The Age says.

While Port is the frontrunner, Sydney remains interested, although it would have to clear up salary cap room to make space for Watts.

Geelong list manager Stephen Wells told NAB AFL Trade Radio on Wednesday Watts was "unlikely" to become a Cat because making a deal would be tough.

However, that could change if Geelong receives compensation for a potential move by Steven Motlop as a free agent.

The Cats could then use that pick – likely either No.22 or 35 – for Watts.

It has emerged that Watts began following Power forward Charlie Dixon on Instagram on Wednesday night.

Essendon to give up first three picks? 

With Essendon on the hunt to land Jake Stringer, Adam Saad and Devon Smith, it may need to get creative, and The Age reports the Bombers may trade away their first three selections in this year's NAB AFL Draft.

In that scenario, Essendon would send No.11 and 47 to the Western Bulldogs, in exchange for Stringer and No.27.

The Bombers would then use No.27 and 29 to land Saad and Smith. 

Another more unlikely situation would see Richmond involved. Essendon would send No.11 to Greater Western Sydney for Smith and No.24.

The Bombers would give No.24 and 29 to the Tigers for No.17, which would be sent to the Dogs in exchange for Stringer. 

Carlton keen on Smith 

As Essendon continues its attempt to land a trio of players from rival clubs, its long-time nemesis could swoop in to disrupt its plans, the Herald Sun says.

Carlton could yet revive its play for GWS forward Devon Smith.

AFL.com.au reported on Wednesday rival clubs saw themselves as a chance to recruit Smith, despite the Bombers being in pole position. 

Meanwhile, fellow Giant Matthew Kennedy will probably become a Blue after a trade involving a second or third-round pick. 

That comes in light of Carlton believing Adelaide will again pose the question about the availability of star midfielder Bryce Gibbs, despite the Crows having declared they have moved on.

A nervous wait for some 

Essendon pair Ben Howlett and Jackson Merrett will have to wait until the Trade Period finishes before learning if they will secure a new contract, the Herald Sun says.

Western Bulldogs big man Tom Campbell will explore his options, with the Dogs open to trading him after having signed Jackson Trengove as a free agent.

Adelaide backman Harrison Wigg could end up at a rival club as a delisted free agent, according to The Advertiser. 

"He hasn't been offered a new contract and the club has told us that they are taking him through the Trade Period and will then see where things are after that," Wigg's manager Greg Size told The Advertiser. 

Fellow Crow Cam Ellis-Yolmen is expected to be offered a new one-year deal.

Future picks used to finalise moves

Port Adelaide speedster Jarman Impey and Greater Western Sydney rebounding defender Nathan Wilson could land at new clubs with the aid of selections from the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, according to The Age. 

Impey wants to go to Hawthorn while Wilson has asked for a trade to Fremantle, with future picks likely to be used to ensure both deals go through.

For more trade news, visit the NAB AFL Trade Hub, brought to you by Anytime Fitness.