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2020 AFL Trade period: See every player deal and who goes where for season 2021

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
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VideoBen Brown joins Melbourne Demons in cheap trade

Jeremy Cameron to Geelong

Jeremy Cameron is officially a Cat.
Camera IconJeremy Cameron is officially a Cat. Credit: Geelong FC

The Giants’ decision to match Geelong’s free agency offer for Jeremy Cameron has paid off, with the Cats coughing up THREE first round draft picks for the star forward.

Not content with the compensation pick on offer for Cameron, GWS played hard ball and became the first club in AFL history to match a free agency bid.

And it paid off in the dying seconds of the AFL trade period as the Giants secured picks 13, 15 and 20 as well as a future fourth round pick.

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The Cats, on top of securing Cameron, get two future second rounders from the Giants.

Adam Treloar to Western Bulldogs

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The Collingwood fire sale is complete, with Adam Treloar joining teammates Jaidyn Stephenson, Tom Phillips and Atu Bosenavulagi out the door today.

The Treloar deal was struck with just seconds to spare as the midfielder departs to join the Western Bulldogs.

“We’re extremely happy to bring Adam in,” Dogs list manager Sam Power, said. “He’s a fantastic player and will really add to our group.

“To get that deal done at the end of the day was fantastic.”

The Bulldogs have given up pick 14 for the star midfielder and a future second round pick.

Collingwood cough up Treloar and picks 26, 33 (from the deal to send Stephenson and Bosenavulagi to North) and 42.

Tom Phillips to Hawthorn

Tom Phillips is off to Hawthorn.
Camera IconTom Phillips is off to Hawthorn. Credit: Paul Kane/AFL Photos

Phillips becomes the third player out the door at Collingwood in a single day.

After being recruited by the Pies with pick 58 in 2015, Phillips managed 89 games.

A salary cap squeeze saw the defender pushed out the door.

Jye Caldwell to Essendon

Jye Caldwell is out the door at GWS.
Camera IconJye Caldwell is out the door at GWS. Credit: Matt King/AFL Photos

Young gun Jye Caldwell is off to Essendon, with the deal struck just minutes from deadline on the final day of the AFL’s trade period.

The 20-year-old joins the Bombers, along with picks 44 and 74.

The Giants get pick 29 and a future second rounder in return.

“We are extremely excited to bring in a young player of Jye’s quality,” Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro said.

“He’s a contested-ball winner who oozes composure and sure ball-handling whenever he’s in possession.

“Jye really complements our young midfield brigade in Andy McGrath, Darcy Parish and Kyle Langford, and will hone his craft alongside experienced players in Dyson Heppell, Dylan Shiel and Zach Merrett amongst a few.”

Orazio Fantasia to Port Adelaide

Orazio Fantasia is finally heading home to South Australia, with Essendon striking a last-minute deal with Port Adelaide.

The small forward, who was close to signing a deal with Port Adelaide at the end of 2019, signed a three-year deal to head to Alberton in return for pick 29 and a future third rounder.

“Orazio is a player that we think will make our side better,” Port’s general manager of football Chris Davies said.

Nick Hind to Essendon

Nick Hind returns to his VFL affiliate Essendon after two seasons with St Kilda.

Hind arrives along with St Kilda’s pick 77, with the Bombers giving picks 67 and 74 in return.

The speedster was out of contract with St Kilda after kicking six goals in 10 games in 2020.

Jack Higgins to St Kilda

Jack Higgins is excited to join St Kilda.
Camera IconJack Higgins is excited to join St Kilda. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Jack Higgins says it’s a “dream come true” to be off to his childhood dream team St Kilda after a tough three seasons at Richmond.

The Saints secured Higgins and pick 21, along with the Tigers’ future fourth round selection in the second deal done on the final day of AFL Trade period 2020.

In exchange, Richmond receive pick 17 and the Saints’ future second round pick.

“It’s amazing to join the Saints next year and I really can’t wait to get started,” Higgins said.

“I grew up barracking for the Saints, so it really is a dream come true to represent the club.”

Jaidyn Stephenson, Atu Bosenavulagi to North Melbourne

The Kangaroos effectively trade Ben Brown for Collingwood duo Jaidyn Stephenson and Atu Bosenavulagi.

Stephenson and Bosenavulagi, along with pick 39, head to North Melbourne in exchange for picks 26, 33 (from Melbourne for Brown) and a future fourth round pick.

Stephenson went on to unload on ex-coach Nathan Buckley, saying he was “shocked” to be traded from the Pies.

“I'm a bit disappointed with how it ended...I'm disappointed that I don't get to show my full potential at the Pies,” he said.

“I feel for all the Collingwood supporters. I feel bad for all the kids that have the #1 on their jersey. But I hope that I hold a little place in their heart, because they'll always hold a place in mine.”

Ben Brown to Melbourne

Ben Brown is officially a Demon after securing a trade from North Melbourne today.

The 27-year-old will link up with Melbourne for 2021 with the Kangaroos receiving picks 26 and 33, and a future fourth round pick in return.

Melbourne also receive pick 28 and a future fourth round pick as part of the Brown deal.

“We are excited to have Ben join us,” Demons general manager of football Josh Mahoney told Melbourne Media.

“He is a proven goal kicker and we think he is the perfect type of player to work alongside our other forwards with his height, football smarts and experience.”

Alex Witherden to West Coast

Alex Witherden is heading west.
Camera IconAlex Witherden is heading west. Credit: ALBERT PEREZ/AAPIMAGE

West Coast has locked in a deal to secure Alex Witherden, with the Eagles giving up their top pick in the draft for the second time in two days to enable the trade.

The Eagles gave up their third-round selection - currently Pick 58 - and a future third-rounder to Brisbane, with the Lions handing back a fourth-round selection this year (currently Pick 86).

In a bonus for West Coast, the Lions will reportedly foot some of the bill for the defender’s wage.

The deal leaves the Eagles with picks 62, 86 and 91 heading into next month's draft, with the WA club to be the last in the competition to make a selection as it stands.

Tom Hickey to Sydney

Tom Hickey has secured his switch to Sydney, with West Coast giving up their top pick at next month’s draft to get the deal done.

Tom Hickey heads to his fourth AFL club.
Camera IconTom Hickey heads to his fourth AFL club. Credit: Paul Kane/AFL Photos

West Coast sent picks in the second and third round of this year’s draft – currently Pick 34 and Pick 60 – while receiving Sydney’s third-round and fourth-round picks this year (currently 58 and 62), a future second-round pick that’s tied to Port Adelaide, and a future third-round pick.

Hickey’s manager Peter Blucher made it clear the ruckman had been happy at the Eagles but the increased likelihood of playing senior football and the chance to be nearer his Queensland based family were keys to the decision to leave.

Eagles list manager Darren Glass said the decision to trade was a combination of acknowledging Hickey’s family-based wishes and also creating a strong draft hand next year.

Shaun Higgins to Geelong

Shaun Higgins returns home to Geelong.
Camera IconShaun Higgins returns home to Geelong. Credit: Geelong

Shaun Higgins heads to Geelong Cats in exchange for pick 30.

Higgins, a local junior who grew up supporting the Cats, is tipped to fill the midfield hole left by retiring superstar Gary Ablett.

“Specifically we think with Gary Ablett retiring there’s an opportunity there for an experienced, super-skilful and talented player to play that same sort or role that Gary did,” Cats list manager Stephen Wells said.

“Even added to that, I think Shaun is going to play a bit more inside mid this year as well. That’ll depend on how all the other inside mids are going. So where Gary was and inside mid as well.”

Aliir Aliir to Port Adelaide

Aliir Aliir arrives at Port Adelaide on a four-year deal in exchange for a future second round draft pick.

The 26-year-old played 64 games for the Swans after being snapped up from East Perth at pick 44 in the 2013 AFL Draft.

“Aliir has impressed us during his time with Sydney with his defensive work and his ability to spend time in the ruck,” Port general manager of footy Chris Davies said.

“We see him adding depth to our key defensive stocks and we think he is capable of fitting in with our overall defensive system.

“His speed, athleticism and intercept marking will certainly add value to our team, and we look forward to welcoming him to the club.”

Adam Saad to Carlton

Adam Saad heads to Carlton.
Camera IconAdam Saad heads to Carlton. Credit: Carlton FC

Adam Saad gets his wish to depart Essendon in exchange for picks eight and 87.

The Blues receive the defender and picks 48 and 78.

“I just want to say I’m really grateful to the Essendon footy club and Adrian Dodoro for bringing me back home (from Gold Coast) and continuing to play AFL footy,” Saad said.

“It’s been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid to play AFL footy and I made a lot of friends at the club and the staff.

“It’s something I’ll cherish and I’m really grateful to the Essendon footy club.”

Nakia Cockatoo to Brisbane

Nakia Cockatoo joins Brisbane.
Camera IconNakia Cockatoo joins Brisbane. Credit: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos

Nakia Cockatoo has landed at Brisbane in exchange for a future third round draft pick.

The young ex-Cat said he was excited by the new opportunity at the Lions.

“I’m over the moon, there’s been a bit of a wait so when I got the call that it was going ahead it was a great feeling,’’ he said.

“I’ve spoken to (coach Chris Fagan) Fages a bit and I’m really excited by where the club is heading and the opportunity for me up there.

“I’d like to thank Geelong, I’m so grateful for the opportunity they gave me, coming from a little town called Humpty Doo, to live out my childhood dream of playing AFL, I can’t thank them enough.

“But now I’m a Brisbane Lion and I can’t wait to get stuck into training with the boys.’’

Lachie Fogarty to Carlton

Lachie Fogarty is off to the Blues.
Camera IconLachie Fogarty is off to the Blues. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Young Cat Lachie Fogarty heads to Carlton along with pick 38.

In return, the Cats get picks 30 and 51.

“Lachie is extremely talented with all the attributes required to succeed at the elite level,” Carlton list manager Nick Austin said.

“He will have every opportunity to make the most of that talent at our football club and he is really excited to begin the hard work and push for his place in our best 22.

“We are looking forward to seeing Lachie take the next step in his career at Carlton. He is an exciting prospect who we think has the potential to be a player our members and supporters really enjoy watching in the seasons to come.”

Stefan Martin to Western Bulldogs

Brisbane ruckman Stefan Martin was traded to the Bulldogs as part of the deal with Lachie Young.

In exchange, Brisbane receive pick 63.

“In a way, it’s going to be really reinvigorating to have this new challenge because I’ve got a whole new footy club to try to prove my worth to and repay the investment in,” Martin told SEN.

“Coupled with my body coming good it’s just a perfect new start for me.

“I feel really good – I’ve said it all along, but I don’t feel like I’m (almost) 34.”

Lachie Young to North Melbourne

Lachlan Young departs the Bulldogs.
Camera IconLachlan Young departs the Bulldogs. Credit: Michael Dodge/AFL Photos

As part of the Stefan Martin trade, Lachie Young heads to North Melbourne.

The Western Bulldogs get Martin while North receive both Young and pick 70.

“Lachie is an athletic rebounding defender who intercepts the ball well and has a really nice kick,” North list manager Glenn Luff told North Media.

“He fits our direction in terms of where we want to take the list and fills a need in our backline.

“We’re excited to have him on board and looking forward to welcoming him to the club.”

Braydon Preuss to GWS

Big man Braydon Preuss heads to GWS in exchange for pick 31.

After years of being an understudy to Todd Goldstein at North Melbourne and Max Gawn at Melbourne, Preuss now has the opportunity to be the number one man at a club.

“We're excited to welcome Braydon to the Giants for at least the next three seasons,” Giants general manager for football Jason McCartney said.

“We were in the market for a ruckman and earmarked Braydon very early as someone who could add significantly to our list.

“We were thrilled that he chose the Giants for the next chapter of his career and it’s a great endorsement for our club.”

Mitch Hannan to Western Bulldogs

Mitchell Hannan has gone to the Dogs.
Camera IconMitchell Hannan has gone to the Dogs. Credit: Kelly Barnes/AFL Photos

Melbourne traded Mitchell Hannan to the Western Bulldogs for its future third round pick.

The forward managed 50 games for the Dees across four seasons, kicking 55 goals.

“For me it’s very exciting - my semi-professional journey in football started with the Footscray Bulldogs, and a lot of the coaches and some of the players that were there at the time are still there,” Hannan said.

“Even though (I didn’t play) in the AFL, I’m very excited to be coming back and joining the Western Bulldogs at the same facilities where this all began.”

Peter Wright to Essendon

Peter Wright is off to Essendon.
Camera IconPeter Wright is off to Essendon. Credit: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos

The Gold Coast Suns traded big man Peter Wright to the Bombers in exchange for a future fourth round pick.

Wright, who was taken at pick eight in the 2014 draft, had two years to run on his Gold Coast contract and has signed with Essendon until the end of 2023.

The Suns will reportedly continue to pay some of his wage, making the deal even more attractive to the Bombers.

Kyle Hartigan to Hawthorn

The Adelaide Crows traded Kyle Hartigan to Hawthorn for its future fourth round pick.

Hartigan played 113 games after making his debut against the Dockers in 2013.

He said uncertainty over what season 2021 could look like with hubs drove his decision to return home to Victoria.

Jesse Hogan to GWS

Jesse Hogan is now a Giant.
Camera IconJesse Hogan is now a Giant.

Fremantle forward Jesse Hogan has been traded to Greater Western Sydney for a third-round selection today after some unlikely help from their cross-town rivals.

Hogan is officially a Giant for at least the next two seasons after the NSW club sent pick 54, which they received from West Coast in exchange for small forward Zac Langdon, to the Dockers.

We’ve agreed to release Jesse Hogan from his 2021 contract, he’s going to pursue his playing career at the GWS Giants and in return the Giants will be giving us pick 54,” Fremantle executive general manager of football Peter Bell said.

“Clearly the trade for Jesse hasn’t ended the way that we would like but in the best interests of both parties we’ve agreed to this trade and we wish Jesse all the very best with the Giants.”

Oleg Markov to Gold Coast

Richmond’s grand final emergency Oleg Markov was traded to the Gold Coast Suns.

Markov played six senior matches in defence this year before falling out of favour ahead of finals.

Taken with pick 50 in the 2015 national draft, the 24-year-old signed a two-year deal, with the Suns giving up a future third round pick.

Zac Langdon to West Coast

Zac Langdon heads to West Coast.
Camera IconZac Langdon heads to West Coast. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

West Coast welcomed Greater Western Sydney forward Zac Langdon in the first trade of 2020, giving up a third-round draft pick for the Dampier product.

The Giants accepted the Eagles’ Pick 54 for the former Claremont goalsneak, who requested a trade home at the end of the season.

“I think just the player they see me becoming and being is the one that I want to be. I don’t want to be pigeon-holed as a certain player,” he said.

“I grew up playing a lot of midfield. That’s all that I played pretty much in Dampier. It wasn’t until I probably came down to the WAFL that I became a half-forward.

“West Coast was really assuring me that I can do that there and I suppose that was one of the biggest things that sold me as well. But also, I know that I need to play my role and that’s what I’m there for.”

Joe Daniher is now a Lion.
Camera IconJoe Daniher is now a Lion. Credit: Jono Searle/AFL Photos

Free agency: Brad Crouch to St Kilda

Free agency: Aidan Corr to North Melbourne

Free agency: Zac Williams to Carlton

Free agency: Joe Daniher to Brisbane

Free agency: Isaac Smith to Geelong

Free agency: Rory Atkins to Gold Coast

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