St Kilda have acquired young midfielder Nathan Freeman from Collingwood, giving up their second-round pick in next year’s draft.
The Saints also gave the Magpies pick 63 in this year’s draft, receiving pick 68 in return.
Freeman was originally drafted to the Magpies at pick 10 in the 2013 draft, but a raft of hamstring injuries have prevented him making his debut in the two years he has spent on their list.
He played the first four VFL games of the season for Collingwood in 2015, but reinjured his hamstring in the last of these and missed the rest of the year.
In September he requested a trade, citing a desire for a fresh start in the hopes that it will help him overcome his injury issues.
Despite his injury concerns the Saints are excited to get the young midfielder, who was compared to Patrick Dangerfield and Luke Shuey in his draft year.
“Nathan’s skills and pace will make him a vital acquisition for our midfield,” said Saints coach Alan Richardson.
“His first couple of years in the AFL system have seen him struggle with hamstring injuries but after extensive discussions with our medical and high performance teams, both the club and Nathan are confident that we can get the best out of him and ensure he has a long career.”
Freeman, who supported the Saints growing up, also drew praise from Saints COO Ameet Bains.
“We have a young playing list that has generated a lot of excitement,” Bains said.
“Nathan is a quality young player with excellent character who we have followed very closely ever since he was coming through the junior system and we are delighted to have him join us.”
While disappointed to lose a young talent, Collingwood will be happy to have acquired another valuable draft pick, which may form part of a trade with Brisbane for James Aish.
“While it’s disappointing to see a player leave so early in their time at the club, we wish Nathan all the best in his move to St Kilda,” said Collingwood’s director or football Neil Balme.
Welcome @nathfreeman9!
MORE: https://t.co/uVQmdzN1cb
#BeStKilda pic.twitter.com/ifSNo9rddg
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) October 20, 2015
Done deal. Nathan Freeman becomes a Saint https://t.co/WZCjOHoiRQ A second round pick in '16 is part of the return pic.twitter.com/Xa9lsRezjS
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) October 20, 2015
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