The Swans sent their third and fourth-round picks (58 and 62) to the Eagles along with Port's future second and their own future third-round picks,and got back Hickey and two other draft picks (34 and 60) in a deal lodged late on Wednesday afternoon.

They now hold picks three,25,34,60 and 82 at this year's draft,having lost Aliir but gained Hickey and strengthened their draft hand in the process.

Sydney were intent on loading up on draft points to match any rival bids on academy prospects Braeden Campbell and Errol Gulden at next month's draft,where they are likely to use their No.3 selection on highly rated defender Denver Grainger-Barras from WAFL club Swan Districts,who looms as a long-term intercept prospect.

Tom McCartin's emergence as a viable key defensive option also made the Swans feel comfortable with their backline stocks,Gardiner said.

Hickey,who has also played for St Kilda and Gold Coast,reportedly wanted to return to the eastern seaboard for family reasons and gives Sydney a desperately-needed extra ruck option to ease the burden on Callum Sinclair while also covering for the injured Sam Naismith.

Meanwhile,cross-town rivals Greater Western Sydney are still yet to come to an agreement with Geelong for Jeremy Cameron,having turned down an offer of two first-round picks for last year's Coleman Medal winner.

The Cats have ruled out sending a player to the Giants,meaning it will likely take three first-rounders to satisfy them.

"We've had good discussions with the GWS people ... both parties are hopeful that[a trade] can happen,"Geelong list manager Stephen Wells told SEN radio.