Tom Bell has officially been traded from Carlton to Brisbane, with the Blues receiving pick 21 in exchange for the Queensland-born midfielder.
The teams also made a swap of later draft picks, with pick 60 going from the Lions to the Blues, and the Lions receiving pick 41 back the other way.
Bell finishes his time at Carlton having played 51 games for the club after being selected in the rookie draft ahead of the 2012 season.
He had a career-best season in 2015, averaging 21 disposals per game and kicking 17 goals for the year, both career-high achievements. He also was awarded a career-best six Brownlow Medal votes.
However at the end of the season Bell requested a trade home to Queensland to be closer to his family as his father Stephen battles cancer.
“He wants to go back home to spend more time with him. His family lives 3km from the Gabba. He has asked the Blues to do a deal if they can,” said Bell’s manager, Peter Blucher, at the time.
“Sometimes things are more important than just football.”
In football terms, Bell will provide a solid boost to the Brisbane midfield, likely stepping into the role vacated by Jack Redden, who was traded to the West Coast Eagles last week.
“We are delighted to get Tom and to bring him back home to Queensland,” said Brisbane’s list manager Peter Schwab.
“He had an excellent year in 2015 finishing 4th in the Carlton best and fairest and he’ll add plenty to our footy club.
“He’s got experience, he’s just starting to hit his peak years and he is a very strong and hard-running player.”
The Blues will be happy enough with their side of the deal which has seen them secure another draft pick inside the top 25.
“Post season Tom made the football club aware that he would like to return home to Queensland to be closer to his family,” said the Blues’ list manager Stephen Silvagni.
“Although he is a contracted player, we saw an opportunity to work with Brisbane to facilitate a trade that could benefit both parties, and we’re really pleased with the outcome.
“We wish Tom all the best for the future as he returns home.”
Carlton now hold picks 1, 20 and 21 inside the top 25 at the upcoming 2015 draft, and also received a 2016 first rounder last week in exchange for Lachie Henderson.
They will now likely turn their attention to securing a host of players including Lachie Plowman from Greater Western Sydney, and are also looking to tempt Sam Kerridge from Adelaide.
#TradeNews: Carlton’s Tom Bell has signed with the Lions. Welcome home!
More: http://t.co/cXX12NBfg4 pic.twitter.com/MwXVMO8GoZ
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) October 19, 2015
BREAKING: Tom Bell has been traded to Brisbane. http://t.co/PE9rKgBdyB
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) October 18, 2015
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