Dwayne Russell ranks his biggest winners from the 2024 AFL Trade Period

Dwayne Russell thinks that 10 of the 18 AFL clubs improved their lists this trade and free agency period.

With the trade deadline passing on Wednesday night, every team has a raft of ins and outs across the period as they now gear up for the draft.

Dwayne ranked his 10 improvers, with number one the team that he thinks added to their list most ahead of the 2025 season.

Check out his top 10 below.

1 - Collingwood

“My number one winner out of the trade period is Collingwood,” Russell said on SEN Afternoons

“I think Dan Houston is worth a ladder spot, that’s his quality.

“Collingwood got the best player that was available in the trade period. 

“They win by getting Houston and they stay in the premiership window for another year.

“I've got Collingwood as the number one winner. Their list has improved.”

2 - Hawthorn

“Hawthorn has also improved. They get Tom Barrass and Josh Battle. 

“Hawthorn were fantastic last year and they just got better. 

“The Hawks could win the flag next season, it wouldn't surprise anyone if they did and they could look back after a premiership next season and say, ‘We're glad we got Barrass and Battle, that was the difference maker for us’. 

“It could be Hawthorn's Steven May and Jake Lever moment.”

3 - Richmond

“I've got Richmond at three, they set themselves up for a quick bounce back with a massive draft hand. 

“If I'm a Richmond fan, I'm really happy right now, I’ve got three flags in the bank and the bounce back might be quick here if they get the right kids out of this draft, which we title as a super draft.”

4 - Fremantle

“I've got Fremantle at four, I think Shai Bolton makes them better and they needed to get better. 

“They were 10th last year and lost their last four games after being in the eight, he could be the big difference between Fremantle finishing sixth or 10th next year. 

“They should make finals with the list. It's been a big win for them getting Shai Bolton even though they probably paid a bit too much.”

5 - Carlton 

“I have Carlton fifth after they got pick three.

“If they get a Harry Sheezel, a Nick Daicos or a Will Ashcroft at pick three, then their premiership-worthy list just got better as well. 

“I think they've done well to get pick three Carlton as a major contender to get arguably what might be the best kid in the draft.”

6 - Geelong

“I’ve got Geelong at six. 

“They're a contender anyway, but they've added Bailey Smith. His upside is huge. 

“I think Geelong have also got better over the trade period.”

7 - Adelaide 

“I think Adelaide got better, I’ve got them at seven. 

“They add Alex Neal-Bullen, James Peatling and Isaac Cumming and they still have got pick four.

“It could be a job saver for Matthew Nicks if Adelaide spike into the eight this season.”

8 - North Melbourne

“I've got North Melbourne at eight. 

“They got Jack Darling, they got Luke Parker and they got Caleb Daniel.

“I think North Melbourne win out of this trade period as well.”

9 - Melbourne

“I've got Melbourne at nine strangely enough. 

“You'll say, ‘They only added Tom Campbell, but I think they did well keeping Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca.

“They kept the ship sailing without being tipped over in the rocky waters.”

10 - Gold Coast

“I've got Gold Coast at 10. 

“They've lost a bit of dead money, Jack Lukosius was playing twos at stages last year and Rory Atkins was a bit part player.”