Western Jets player Tayla Olivieri is hoping to be selected on an AFLW list at the end of the year. She started playing football at 14, after joining her friends. Olivieri has since aimed to play at a higher level and represented Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships this year. She was also invited to the AFLW state combine, where she spoke with several clubs. She said Keilor had a major impact on her career and that she will keep working on her game before the draft.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been judged the better of two 2024 first-round picks, edging New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye 4-3 in a category-by-category comparison. Williams is rated ahead on accuracy, arm strength, toughness and leadership. Maye is rated ahead on decision making, pocket presence and athleticism. The analysis weighs both players' performance across their first seasons and the early part of the 2026 season, with Williams's six fourth-quarter comebacks as a key point in his favour.
Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Aday Mara has been eligible to play for the club, the Thunder say, despite a claim from his former Spanish club. Basket Zaragoza said on Friday that Mara remains under contract for the 2026-27 season and will block any international clearance until a financial settlement is reached. A Thunder spokesperson said Mara played three years of NCAA college basketball, so the NBA has advised that no clearance from the Spanish team is required. Mara, 21, has averaged 13.4 points and 7.6 rebounds during the preseason.
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Sporting News has released its third first-round mock draft for the 2027 NFL draft. The projection has the Tennessee Titans selecting Texas quarterback Arch Manning at No. 1, though analysts say he still needs to cut down on turnovers. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, the Heisman Trophy front-runner, is the only other name viewed as a possible top pick. The Los Angeles Chargers are projected to take Smith at No. 2, with the Miami Dolphins choosing Oregon quarterback Dante Moore at No. 3.
Adelaide defender Nick Murray will stay with the Crows after North Melbourne failed to secure him before the AFL trade deadline. North Melbourne made several offers for Murray as the deadline approached. Elsewhere, Essendon agreed to bring in Keidean Coleman from Brisbane, while Brisbane also sent Will McLachlan to Melbourne. In a three-team deal, Trent Rivers and Jack Viney moved to West Coast. Six players were traded in the final half hour of the period.
Bills owner Terry Pegula has said that Keon Coleman was not general manager Brandon Beane's first choice when the team drafted him in 2024. Pegula said the coaching staff pushed for the selection. Beane said he made the pick and would not select a player he did not believe the team could succeed with. Coleman has since returned to a key role in the Bills' offence, recording 217 yards and one touchdown through four games in 2026, including a 116-yard performance against the Patriots.
North Melbourne has agreed to acquire Blakey from Sydney in a major AFL trade, the first deal of the day. The Kangaroos gave up the No.6 pick in this year's draft, pick 47, several future second-round picks and a 2028 first-rounder. In return they received pick 52 and Sydney's 2028 second-rounder. Blakey apologised for the events that led to his exit from Sydney, where he had been suspended over the Pullman Hotel scandal. Elsewhere, Carlton added Lachie Whitfield from GWS and sent Flynn Riley to Collingwood.
The Arizona Cardinals have traded wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., their No. 4 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, to the Houston Texans. The deal came on Sunday, well before the trade deadline in November. In return, Arizona receives a 2027 second-round pick and a sixth-round pick, while Houston sends a seventh-round pick. Houston hopes Harrison will add more playmaking ability alongside quarterback C.J. Stroud, who he played with at Ohio State. Arizona had given Harrison a limited role, and analysts say the team can move on with its current receivers.
The Sporting News has ranked the top Ohio State wide receivers currently playing in the NFL. Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks takes the top spot after winning Offensive Player of the Year honours and the Super Bowl in 2025. Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets ranks second, having recorded three straight 1,000-yard seasons to start his career. Chris Olave of the New Orleans Saints is third, while Marvin Harrison Jr. of the Houston Texans, traded this season, ranks sixth.
Zak Butters has completed his move to the Western Bulldogs, with Port Adelaide declining to match the free agency offer and receiving pick five in compensation. Nick Blakey has nominated North Melbourne as his preferred destination after a reported $11 million offer from the Kangaroos. Ben King is heading to Hawthorn, as Gold Coast opted for pick seven in compensation rather than matching the deal. A five-club trade involving Port Adelaide, the Bulldogs, Melbourne, Carlton and Hawthorn has been confirmed, and Sam Marshall has moved to St Kilda for a 2027 first-round pick and pick 41.
Essendon has acquired Jack Bowes, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick in exchange for Jordan Ridley and draft selections. The Bombers have expressed interest in Sydney's Nick Blakey, but prioritise adding young talent. Geelong and St Kilda remain at an impasse over a potential trade for Saints ruckman Rowan Marshall. Fremantle has signed former Bulldogs forward Dom Bedendo, who kicked 38 goals in the VFL this year. Brisbane has revealed a panel to select Chris Fagan's replacement as senior coach, with Danny Daly elevated to General Manager of Football.
