The AFL trade period is throwing up a few talking points 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 knocked back a bid for a player currently serving a suspension. Collingwood has run into a snag 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 continues, with clubs still negotiating behind the scenes.