WHILE the NAB Trade Period doesn't officially kick off until the end of the week, there's been plenty going on behind the scenes already.

Free agency offers start this Friday but clubs will have to wait until 10am on Monday to actually start making trades.

Here's what the AFL website had to say about James Aish today:

Aish to stay put?

There was plenty of talk this season about the future of Brisbane Lions' youngster James Aish, with persistent suggestion he wanted to move out of the club after just two seasons.

But despite his reported desire to play for Collingwood and rumours of interest from Hawthorn, it sounds like the outside midfielder will stay a Lion.

The Herald Sun is reporting the Lions expect Aish will return from Bali this week and sign a new deal with the club.

Read: Aish Won't Be Traded

Matthew Leuenberger

However, the Lions are resigned to losing Matthew Leuenberger, who has attracted interest from Essendon and the Sydney Swans.

Speaking on NAB Trade Radio today, new Essendon Coach John Worsfold said:

"We'd see him (Leuenberger) as a really exciting addition to the Essendon Football Club."

"We'll certainly be showing him how keen we are."

Listen to the full interview here: