Dayne Beams' requested trade from Collingwood to the Brisbane Lions looms as the blockbuster move of 2014, alongside Patrick Ryder's desired move from Essendon to Port Adelaide.
But three days into this year's official talks, the Beams deal appears to have hit a roadblock.
The Lions have offered Collingwood picks No. 5 and 25 for Beams, with a swap of later draft picks also in the mix.
But it is understood the Lions have ruled out involving any of their players in the trade, after the Pies targeted the likes of Jack Redden, James Aish, Tom Rockliff, Pearce Hanley and Dayne Zorko.
The Lions now feel they have put forward a fair and reasonable offer and that it is almost time for Collingwood to decide whether it is going to accept it or not.
But, as of Wednesday night, Collingwood was refusing to budge in its demand for a ready-made Lions player in return for Beams.
The Lions remain hopeful, however, that they will reach a trade with Greater Western Sydney for two-time best and fairest winner Joel Patfull.
The Giants are in the midst of a busy trade period, trying to negotiate deals for Kristian Jaksch, Jono O'Rourke, Sam Frost and Jonathan Giles, but the Lions believe a deal can be reached on Patfull before the close of the trade period next Thursday.
Negotiations to trade small forward Jeff Garlett from Carlton to Melbourne progressed on Wednesday with both parties getting close to reaching an agreement.
If Ryder can get to Port Adelaide via a left-field free agency arrangement being investigated, the Power could retain young players who were being considered as parts of a trade for the Bomber big man.
Cam O'Shea, who is contracted until 2016 and had a very good finals series in 2014, has attracted the interest of other clubs if it eventuates that a player needs to leave Port Adelaide to make the Ryder deal happen.
Essendon is interested in securing a ruckman in the event Ryder joins Port Adelaide.
The Bombers have already been linked with Giant Jonathan Giles and AFL.com.au reported on Wednesday they are now interested in Gold Coast's Daniel Gorringe.
The Western Bulldogs have also expressed interest in securing Geelong premiership player Tom Lonergan as they chase a key defender.
The 30-year-old Lonergan, who is contracted until 2015, is close with Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney but it is uncertain whether he is seriously entertaining a move to the Whitten Oval.
West Coast concedes there are clubs better positioned to sign Geelong midfielder Travis Varcoe, who had been the club's priority earlier this week.
Scott Selwood and Will Schofield had been speculated as Eagles that could potentially be dealt to land Varcoe given their Geelong links, but the club poured cold water on any deal involving that pair on Wednesday.
Sydney Swans forward Tim Membrey appears certain to get to the Saints, with the Swans waiting to see how other deals fall before they field offers from St Kilda.
The Saints' No. 1 pick in the pre-season draft also strengthens their hand in negotiations with the Swans, all-but guaranteeing Membrey will get to Seaford.