A busy AFL trade period, and the fall-out from some of these deals, means there is plenty for the AFL and its broadcasters to consider ahead of the release of the 2026 fixture.

Amid club requests for next season, here are eight match-ups which should receive prominence.

Could have been friends: Zach Merrett’s first game against Hawthorn will be one to watch next season. Credit: Getty Images

Essendon v Hawthorn

This one, dare we say, merits top billing, for it has more spice than a Thai green curry. Central to this mix is jilted Essendon superstar, Zach Merrett, who failed in his bold bid to be traded to the arch-rival Hawks. Merrett, no doubt, will be particularly keen to put in a best-on-ground performance to reinforce to the Hawks what they missed out on, while highlighting his

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