AFL free agency opens with Carlton securing Joel Amartey

The AFL free agency period has officially opened, marked by Carlton Blues lodging paperwork to secure Sydney Swans forward Joel Amartey. Amartey is expected to sign a five-year contract worth up to $750,000 per season, serving as a replacement for Charlie Curnow.

In other developments, Hawthorn has confirmed that Calsher Dear will remain with the club on a two-year contract extension, despite interest from Melbourne, Geelong, and Collingwood.

As the window progresses, attention remains on restricted free agents Zak Butters and Ben King, with potential match offers from the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn expected to influence upcoming trade negotiations.