Earlier in the day,Melbourne forward Sam Weideman,unable to secure a regular senior spot,joined Essendon,while Bombers defender Aaron Francis became a Swan in a deal including Sydney’s future fourth-round selection and a swap of selections 37 and 42.
The Demons also recruited Josh Schache to his third club,meaning three top-10 picks from the 2015 national draft will play with new teams next season.
Sam Weideman needs to get nasty,according to Matthew Lloyd.Credit:AFL Photos
Francis,the former sixth overall pick in the 2015 national draft,played 54 games for the Bombers. He joins the Swans on a two-year deal with an option for a third,his new club adamant he can fill a spot in defence.
“Aaron is a player we identified as a priority to bring in during the trade period. We believe he has the talent and attributes to improve our team and provides added flexibility in our key position roles,” Swans football manager Charlie Gardiner said.
While the Demons lost Weideman,they gained former No.2 draft pick Schache,who will play for a third club in 2023. The former Lion and Bulldog was traded for a future fourth-round pick.
Weideman had approached the Demons last Thursday to request a trade,and the club said it was happy to help him get to Essendon if it could replace him. Once the out-of-contract Schache moved into the frame,both trades were on.
The Demons also took a punt on Bulldogs wingman Lachie Hunter,who has experienced some off-field issues recently,giving up a future third-round pick for the 27-year-old after the Bulldogs agreed to pay part of the final two years of his contract.
Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb said the club had replaced Luke Jackson with Brodie Grundy,Weideman with Schache,brought in Hunter for Jayden Hunt and Kade Chandler would fill the void Toby Bedford’s departure creates,while taking pick 13 into this year’s draft and a future first-round selection.
Josh Dunkley.Credit:AFL Photos
New Tiger Jacob Hopper was given a tour of Punt Road by superstar teammate Dustin Martin,after the 25-year-old midfielder confirmed his seven-year contract. The formerGreater Western Sydney Giant was dealt along with picks 53 and 63in exchange for picks 31 and a future first-round pick.
Meanwhile,Gunston has opened up about his move to the Lions,declaring it had been a difficult call to leave the club he enjoyed three premierships with.
Gunston said the decision had been made tougher in a year when he lost his father Ray to a heart attack.
“For my footballing career I’ve had a great influence in my dad always in my corner. He’s someone I was always able to lean on and ask any question. Going through this decision was a different time for me,” he said.
“The opportunity that presented itself with moving to Queensland and playing for Brisbane was a good opportunity for me to add to my football journey and flip the script on what was,at times,a tough year. I thought it was a good opportunity to experience something new in life.”
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St Kilda list management chief James Gallagher defended his club’s modest trade period,declaring the Saints were “keeping their powder dry” in terms of salary-cap room,having failed to land Collingwood star Jordan De Goey. The Saints accrued former Bulldogs utility Zaine Cordy through free agency.
Essendon list chief Adrian Dodoro said Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti,having retired mid-year,was preparing for an AFL return,with the Bombers and Fremantle in discussions with him.
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