A late move on the first day of trading has seen Brisbane’s Jack Redden join West Coast in exchange for the Eagles’ first round draft pick, currently pick 17.
It’s been a busy day for the Eagles who agreed to release Scott Selwood earlier in the afternoon but have almost instantly found a replacement for him in the form of Redden.
Redden requested a trade away from the Lions in September, with a number of clubs reportedly interested in his services at the time.
Rumours of a trade to West Coast always seemed to be the strongest, and have now come to fruition with the Eagles giving up their first round draft pick.
The Lions now hold draft picks 2, 17 and 21 inside the top 25, and are expected to receive a compensation pick – likely pick 22 – for the departure of Matthew Leuenberger to Essendon via free agency.
They have a number of academy prospects coming through to the club this year with key position player Eric Hipwood and midfielder Ben Keays both expected to attract bids inside the first round of the draft.
The Lions should now be able to afford them both comfortably under the AFL’s new points-based bidding system for the drafting of father-son and academy players.
Redden finishes his time at the Lions having played 129 games for the club. He was originally drafted to the Lions with pick 25 in the 2008 draft.
“This puts us in a much stronger position heading into the draft, especially with so much good Queensland talent on offer,” said Brisbane CEO Greg Swann.
“Jack has played a big role in the club over recent years but circumstances saw him want a fresh start.
“We think a first round pick is a really good result for us, and we wish Jack all the best in the future.”
On the Eagles’ side of the deal it appears they have found the perfect player to work alongside Matt Priddis and Luke Shuey as a contested ball-winner.
Redden averaged five clearances per game this year and should provide an instant boost to the Eagles’ on-ball division.
He also averaged 23 disposals per game, and more than six tackles per game. At 24 years of age, he likely has the best form of his career still ahead of him.
“We are thrilled and excited to have a player of Jack’s quality and experience coming to the club and he will add another dimension to our midfield,” said Craig Vozzo, West Coast’s general manger of football.
“We look forward to Jack joining our club and playing his part in our vision for sustained success.
“He is a strong-bodied inside midfielder and aside from being an impressive young man, he brings with him attributes that will strengthen our list. We look forward to welcoming Jack and his fiancé Aimee to the club.”
The club has secured midfielder Jack Redden from the Lions: http://t.co/8XjSGX6mzJ
Welcome, Jack! #goeagles pic.twitter.com/m6BzieKnEU
— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) October 12, 2015
It’s official. We receive Pick No.17 as Jack Redden heads West.
More: http://t.co/5n1XSu6U7W pic.twitter.com/EZiJKUxm9q
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) October 12, 2015
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