Adelaide has secured two top-30 draft picks and talented South Australian Dean Gore as part of a trade with Geelong which will see Patrick Dangerfield return to Victoria.
The Crows had the option of accepting a compensation pick (currently No.14) for the departing Dangerfield, who qualifies as a Restricted Free Agent. However, the Club opted to purse a better return for the reigning Club Champion via a trade.
As part of the deal, Adelaide will receive Geelong’s first round (currently No.9) and second round (currently No.28) selections in November’s National Draft, as well as Gore, in exchange for Dangerfield and a third round selection (currently No.50).
Crows Head of Football David Noble said the trade provided a greater level of compensation than what was available under the AFL’s Free Agency rules, which leave affected Clubs with little room to move.
“All along we were intent on doing what was in the best interests of our Club, and we have been able to deliver the best possible outcome,” Noble said.
“Securing picks 9 and 28 allows us to add some more quality talent to our playing list, while Dean is a young man who has the makings of a long-term player.
“I would also like to acknowledge Geelong for the professional manner in which these negotiations where handled.”
Originally recruited from SANFL club Sturt with pick No.55 in the 2014 National Draft, Gore is an athletic utility with excellent skills.
The 19-year-old, who possesses good speed and endurance, showcased his abilities at last year’s Draft Combine. He finished equal first in the goalkicking test (with Crows rookie Keenan Ramsey), equal third in the field kicking test and ran a time of 2.94 seconds for the 20-metre sprint.
The Hahndorf product, who played 12 league games for Sturt in 2014, made his Cats debut in the NAB Challenge and was named as an AFL emergency early this season.
Gore played 11 games with Geelong’s VFL side this year and, despite missing several weeks through injury, finished third in the best and fairest.
“Our recruiting team rated Dean highly in the lead up to last year’s draft and he was on the verge of playing AFL football in his debut year,” Noble said.
Noble said the Club was well placed for the remainder of the trade period given this deal had been completed on day one.
Adelaide currently holds selections 9, 13, 28, 32 and 68 in next month’s National Draft.