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

D-Day has arrived, with several clubs hoping to seal deals before the NAB AFL Trade Period closes at 2pm today.

This follows the busiest day of the trade period in which a five-way deal was completed and the Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney signed off on a remarkable trade involving Ryan Griffen and Tom Boyd.

St Kilda is tipped to retain the No.1 pick in this year's NAB AFL Draft and use it on midfield prodigy Christian Petracca after fielding offers throughout the trade period.

The Herald Sun reports that the Saints have rejected an attractive offer from GWS, although it is not clear whether that offer came before or after the Giants secured pick No.6 in the Ryan Griffen-Tom Boyd deal.

The Giants have selections No.4, 6 and 7 in the draft, giving them pole position in negotiations for the top pick.

Saints head of football Chris Pelchen told SEN on Wednesday the club had knocked back several advances and expected a final-day "bidding frenzy".

"I’d say interest is growing rather than diminishing," Pelchen said.

Essendon is adamant the Power's offer of picks No.17 and 37 for the 26-year-old ruckman is not equitable, but the Herald Sun believes the Bombers will reluctantly do the deal if they can secure Western Bulldogs veteran Adam Cooney with pick No.37.

However, the major impediment is North Melbourne, which has offered to trade Kieran Harper, pick No.36 and swap later picks for the Brownlow medallist.

The 90-minute mediation meeting at AFL House was convened by AFL-appointed intermediary Peter Riordan SC.

Ryder’s manager Paul Connors remains steadfast in his belief that Ryder won’t return to Essendon, and is prepared to take the battle to the AFL Grievance Tribunal if the situation is unresolved by the trade deadline.

The Bombers are also working on a deal to secure Giants ruckman Jonathan Giles.