AFL trade period opens as Buckley exits North Melbourne race

The AFL trade period opened Monday at Marvel Stadium, with Nathan Buckley withdrawing from North Melbourne's senior coaching race, leaving a first-time coach to replace Alastair Clarkson. Buckley informed the club late last week, skipping a scheduled Saturday presentation. Candidates Daniel Giansiracusa, Jaymie Graham, David Hale, and Xavier Clarke remain in contention. St Kilda seeks Geelong's first-round pick and a player for contracted ruckman Rowan Marshall, while Scott Pendlebury's move to Gold Coast may involve a fourth-round pick to preserve Suns compensation for Ben King. Free agency officially began Friday, with Lachie Neale, Joel Amartey, and Toby Greene completing moves. The trade period runs until October 15, with daily live coverage and expert analysis.