Fremantle have sealed a trade for Melbourne ruck Luke Jackson, delivering the Demons a strong hand of AFL draft picks in a three-way deal with GWS.
The Dockers coughed up this year’s top selection – currently pick No.13 – plus their 2023 first and second round selections in exchange for West Australian talent Jackson, picks No.44 and No.67.
Pick No.44 came via GWS, which allowed Melbourne small forward Toby Bedford to seal his move to the Giants.
Melbourne are expected to quickly move on to securing Collingwood’s two-time All-Australian Brodie Grundy as Jackson’s replacement.
Jackson requested a long-expected trade home to Western Australia last month.
The 21-year-old had said he was open to joining either WA club but West Coast never really appeared in the picture.
The No.3 pick in the 2019 draft, Jackson has played 52 games since his debut in 2020.
He teamed up with skipper Max Gawn in Melbourne’s 2021 breakthrough premiership, including turning the grand final on its head with a remarkable third-quarter burst in the ruck.
His fine second season in 2021 also delivered the AFL Rising Star award, though he struggled to reach similar heights this year, when Melbourne exited the finals in straight sets.
Bedford, 22, played 18 games for Melbourne across four seasons, kicking nine goals, which all came in his 16 games this year.
Luke Jackson. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Izak Rankine’s move from Gold Coast to Adelaide was also made official, with the deal for the goalsneak centred around Adelaide’s No.5 draft pick.
The Crows received Rankine, pick 46 and a future fourth-rounder tied to Fremantle, while the Suns secured pick 5 and a future third- and fourth-rounder from the Crows.
Carlton midfielder Will Setterfield also crossed to Essendon, with the Blues also throwing in pick 68 in exchange for the Bombers’ future fourth.
Fringe Melbourne forward Sam Weideman is reportedly poised to get a fresh start at Essendon under new coach Brad Scott.
The Bombers are set to part with a future third-round pick to land the 195cm target.
Key forward Weideman has shown glimpses of promise in his seven seasons with Melbourne since being taken at pick No.9 in the 2015 draft.
But he has managed just 59 games in that time and has not featured in the Demons’ last two finals campaigns.
The 25-year-old kicked 13 goals from 10 games this year.
If they land Weideman, Essendon will hope to draw similar improvement out of him to that shown by best-and-fairest winner Peter Wright since his arrival at Tullamarine.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
If he pays back the overpaid front end of his contract. He didn't perform for those first 3 years.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
No but l heard the dogs have offered a future 2nd & a later pick possibly in 40’s this year for Lobb. Freo need to accept the poor guy has started the long walk to Melbourne.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Haven't seen it yet...been out of range again. Belly and Walls have to rank as the best at this game. Any news on Meek?
Chanon
Roar Rookie
I’m laughing but l’m crying at the same time :laughing:
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Looks like from all reports you get what you want. A complete Cluster F..K
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
What were Hawthorn doing? Mind you, if the Doggies are drawing comparisons with Buddy, he's worth every bit.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Let it rip :thumbup:
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Don, Freo can’t be serious about pick 21 for Lobb that’s equivalent to Franklin heading to Swans :shocked:
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Ok, here's a little conversation Chanon and I had on the cricket page: Chanon Roar Rookie October 10th 2022 @ 5:27pm Don are you happy about acquiring Jackson or ecstatic or neither? Edited 25 minutes ago Reply Don Freo Don Freo Roar Rookie October 10th 2022 @ 5:52pm Happy. He’s a DeVito/ Schwarzenegger twin of Pavlich and Sandi. We’d have done fine without him but he just pure bonus. Nothing needed from this year’s draft and now we have Jackson, nothing needed next year either. Cream on the cake stuff and so much young depth.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
His best is yet to come.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I'm liking the Freo trade. 13 and next year's future was never going to be enough for a young tall who has already won a Rising Star and played a key role in a GF. Big blokes take a while and he has already played over 50 games. Imagine when the "while" kicks in. The pick in the 60s and 44 will be useful if NGA players, Edwards (203cm and growing) and Hagen are still there after pick 40. Good grief! I'm caravanning and out of range for two days and when I get back in range, it has all happened. My highlight? Setterfield. His name just sounds like he should be an Essendon player. Brad Scott is building a very NM list.
Russ
Roar Rookie
Rankine was only a 3yr contract, he wont be getting 850k either as it was reported – who would pay that for a small fwd.