Hawthorn have secured a first round pick from North Melbourne as the Kangaroos successfully lured speedy midfielder Jed Anderson to Arden St.
The deal sees North Melbourne give up their first and third round selections in the 2015 draft, expected to be 15 and 55 after free agency compensation, in exchange for Anderson as well as Hawthorn’s second round pick and Matt Suckling compensation pick, expected to be picks 38 and 40.
It was reported that Anderson was weighing up his options last week after struggling for opportunities at Hawthorn despite some impressive form in the VFL.
At North Melbourne he will fill what is arguably the team’s greatest need as a damaging young midfielder with plenty of pace.
“Jed is a quality young man and he has impressed many during his time at the Hawks both on and off the field,” said North’s list manager Cameron Joyce.
“We were certainly impressed with the way he’s conducted himself since we first met him and a trade was initially discussed.
“We know that there was plenty of interest in Jed and are delighted he sees his future in North Melbourne colours. We can’t wait to see him in action this pre-season and beyond.”
Anderson says he is excited to be joining North Melbourne.
“North Melbourne have shown over the past couple of years that they are building towards something really exciting and I’m looking forward to being part of that,” Anderson said.
“Everyone at the club has been really professional and I can’t wait to get my first pre-season underway with my new teammates.”
The Hawks however have gotten an excellent return for Anderson, now holding picks 15 and 18 inside the first round of this year’s draft.
They may look to use those in a variety of possible trade scenarios in what’s left of the trade period, alternatively, they may take them to the draft and restock their list with young talent.
“Jed has made a fantastic contribution to our football club and we wish him and his young family all the best,” said Hawks list manager Graham Wright.
“While we are disappointed to lose Jed we are pleased with the outcome of the trade and have improved our draft position significantly, now holding two picks inside the top 20.”
Anderson originally joined the Hawks through a trade with Greater Western Sydney, who were able to access him through the Northern Territory zone that they briefly held as part of their establishment concessions.
The Hawks traded defender Stephen Gilham, who ultimately only played 15 games at his new club, and swapped some picks with the Giants to secure Anderson.
Anderson was highly rated by the Hawks but a combination of injuries and the difficulty of breaking into the Hawks’ best side has restricted him to just ten career games so far.
We have a new Roo to welcome! Say hello to Jed Anderson.
Story: http://t.co/QLM1pQ5RjX #NMFC #TradePeriod pic.twitter.com/D9sAL0RXb0
— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) October 15, 2015
We've received North Melbourne's first round pick in exchange for Jed Anderson.
Details: http://t.co/LV6pwp5orw pic.twitter.com/zZDtBw86NI
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) October 16, 2015
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