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.”
13th Man
Guest
Masten's problem is his disposal is so ordinary, he gets a lot of touches but so many of them go back to the opposition. In the GF I just sat there and counted how many times he turned the ball over. Same as I do every week with Danyle Pearce, heres hoping Bennell replaces him the Freo 22.
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
Ah...Jack....the guy is an elite athlete with a massive tank but he needs to show us something next year. Just hasn't lived up to his potential IMO.
Josh
Expert
He's an elite player at his best and just coming into his prime now, I'd say the Eagles got a pretty good deal. I'd probably rate him worthy of a pick in the 11-15 range.
13th Man
Guest
Hmm, disagree there. The Dangerfield acquisition makes Geelong's midfield look pretty strong, Hawthorn's will still be up there despite ageing, Sydney's will be better once they get injuries back and personally I don't mind Freo's either. I would take Fyfe, Mundy, Hill, Neale, Barlow and Bennell any day over what Eagles have got.
13th Man
Guest
Brisbane will get pick 39 from AFL, that seems pretty consistent. All 3 players about the same. Suckling the best of the 3 yet Hawks the only ones not complaining about their compensation, interesting. Btw Jax, your thoughts on Redden? Seems like a handy pickup for your boys.
diamond jack
Guest
yes, with Darling going thru the midfield as well..then Liam Duggan back..heard talk of Masten being bundled up in a trade also..wouldnt disappoint me too much for a bigger bodied unit with good footskills..Masto took a long time to come good, but is his 'good' good enough in a fastchanging game.
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder....I can understand why the Eagles may have paid overs for Redden. The Eagles will have the most dominant mid-field in the competition next year by a country mile.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Pick 17 for Redden is overs. Good solid player but not worth a 1st round pick in my opinion.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
The AFL has a clear outline of how the Compo picks work..... Whether Clubs like it or not, it's dependant on the contracts they sign including length and value.... Selwood's is in the modest category hence why the modest 2nd round pick. The Lions and Leuenberger will be no different. He will also entitle the Lions to a 2nd Round Draft pick. it will just likely be earlier because of the Lions current status re ladder positions.
DJW
Guest
Jax what do you think of Redden? Good pick up for the Eagles?
jax
Guest
"they will be livid if the Lions get 22 for Leuenberger" Also Suckling for pick 38. The inconsistent AFL just can't stop making a mess out of almost everything they touch.
Jamie Radford
Roar Pro
If the Eagles are unhappy now about the compo they got for Selwood, they will be livid if the Lions get 22 for Leuenberger, Fair enough too.On the bright side though Redden and Jetta added to an Eagles side with Brown and McKenzie back will make them very difficult to beat next season.