The AFL trade period is producing several storylines heading into the new week. Jake Stringer, the veteran forward, held talks with Essendon about a possible return to his former club. The Sydney Swans turned down an approach for a player currently serving a suspension. Collingwood has hit a hurdle in at least one trade it is pursuing.

Separately, some figures in the game are pushing to scrap a contested element of the trade period format, though no decisions have been announced. The period is still under way, with clubs still working through deals.