The second last day of AFL trade period was one of action, with haggling and indecision finally replaced by concessions, bold calls and an unfathomable contract.
Greater Western Sydney, one day after declaring Tom Boyd would play for the club next season, relinquished their hold on last year’s No.1 draft pick.
Boyd, who had a year to run on the mandatory two-year contract all draftees sign, was traded to the Western Bulldogs.
To make it happen, the Bulldogs handed over pick No.6 and captain Ryan Griffen, who last week asked to be traded to GWS.
The deal was one of six trades rubber stamped on Wednesday, with Collingwood star Dayne Beams joining brother Claye at Brisbane.
Boyd, a behemoth key forward who has played nine games, signed a seven-year contract worth close to $1 million a season.
The 19-year-old will next year earn the relatively bare-bones salary awarded to all draftees before receiving an immense pay rise in 2016.
The Bulldogs will also provide salary cap assistance in relation to Griffen’s ongoing contract – an incredibly high price, but one the ‘Dogs were happy to pay.
“To engineer a trade like this, out of circumstances that were far from ideal (Griffen walking out) … is a magnificent outcome,” chief executive Simon Garlick told AFL Trade Radio.
“There will be conjecture … some people think we might have paid overs or given them a bit much.
“But we think it’s a really strong, prudent and responsible decision.”
Garlick did not comment on Boyd’s wage.
Boyd requested a trade earlier this week following his Godfather offer.
GWS chief executive David Matthews was forthright in response on Monday and Tuesday, saying “Boyd will not be traded under any circumstances”.
Matthews suggested on Wednesday there were a number of factors that led to the U-turn.
“First, the Bulldogs have made a revised and attractive offer,” he said.
“Second, our coach Leon Cameron has consulted the leadership group and they have agreed they want a united and loyal playing group.
“Third … we are proud to represent western Sydney and Canberra and it’s critical that our players share that value. Clearly, Tom doesn’t.”
The Magpies received Lions midfielder Jack Crisp along with picks No.5 and 25 in exchange for 2012 best-and-fairest winner Beams and pick No.67.
Collingwood then signed North Melbourne midfielder Levi Greenwood by on-trading pick No.25.
A three-way deal involving Collingwood’s Heritier Lumumba, Melbourne ruck-forward Mitch Clark and Geelong speedster Travis Varcoe was also completed at the same time.
Lumumba is now a Demon, while the Cats shipped Varcoe off to Collingwood.
“With Dayne and Heritier leaving, our objective was to make sure the team remained in a position to play finals in 2015 … I think we have achieved that,” Collingwood list manager Derek Hine said.
Clark, who retired in April due to depression, will attempt to reignite his AFL career at Geelong.
“There’s no pressure on him,” Geelong football manager Neil Balme said.
The Cats also recruited Rhys Stanley on Wednesday, swapping pick No.21 in exchange for St Kilda forward and pick No.60.
Carlton received pick No.19 and Giants Kristian Jaksch and Mark Whiley in exchange for pick No.7.
Disgruntled ruckman Paddy Ryder remains on Essendon’s books as Thursday’s 2pm (AEDT) deadline looms large.
Port Adelaide have offered picks No.17 and 37 for Ryder.
Penster
Guest
Griffen is tried and tested, still in his prime, Boyd played a handful of games and gets established superstar money. Doggies playing the futures market.
joe
Guest
anyone else get the impression it is only the fans that are loyal these days
Mister Football
Roar Guru
That's how it works, which means the dogs are paying a very high price indeed for a kid with potential. As a dogs fan, it looks risky, but in all honesty, if Boyd had stayed with GWS and then reached his true potential in the next few years, would the dogs be able to sign him at that point? The answer is probably no. This is probably the only way we get a bloke like Boyd, snapping him up quite young and paying overs for the privilege in the hope that he becomes a 10 year player with the dogs.
Paul D
Roar Guru
The Bulldogs will pay part of Griffen's contract. Just pulling some numbers out of the air, if he is on $700k/year GWS might be paying $500K of it, and the Bulldogs $200K. The $200K comes out of the Dogs salary cap, not GWS. That's my understanding of it anyway.
me, I like football
Guest
"The Bulldogs will also provide salary cap assistance in relation to Griffen’s ongoing contract" Could someone please explain this to me?
Kev
Guest
Sheesh, a million a year for a kid who has played 9 games. There's paying a premium for a high draft pick and then there's irresponsible. Who knows, if he becomes the monster forward that the Dogs have needed it could pay off in spades. Have to wait and see.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Unfortunately that's the hoopla surrounding these guys, they're paying for his potential, not what he is now. It's almost like taking a punt on buying the foal of a racehorse...the genetic pedigree is there - I mean, look at the size of Boyd, he has all the physical attributes and then some to help him succeed, but the great unknown is the ability. That's the potential though - if he does turn into the next Tom Hawkins or Kurt Tippett, the Dogs will be ecstatic.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Good swap both ways. Experience is exactly what Giants need. With Patfull, Mumford and Griffen all fit, it will help big time. Tall forward sort of what Dogs need. There was no point in the Giants keeping Boyd on, when he was gong to leave at end of next year. This year, they got something for it. Next year, they may not have.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
I thought a straight swap for Griffen was in fact 'overs' for the Dogs, but, to throw in pick 6 as well................. They would want Boyd to be the next Kelvin Templeton to justify that price