Bernie Vince has accepted a contract offer from Melbourne and will be traded by Adelaide.

The clubs have today agreed on a deal which will send Melbourne’s round two compensation selection (No.23) to Adelaide.

Vince, 28, leaves the Crows after 129 games in eight years at West Lakes.

A penetrating kick and noted goalkicker, Vince is a best and fairest winner at Adelaide, having claimed the Club Champion award in 2009.

Recruited with pick No.32 in the 2005 AFL National Draft, the skilful midfielder developed a reputation as a ‘big-game’ player, standing up in finals and claiming the Showdown Medal (Round Three, 2008) and also Michael Tuck Medal in Adelaide’s NAB Cup-winning team of 2012.

Vince had a year to run on his Crows contract, but opted for a long-term deal from the Demons.

General Manager of List Development and Strategy David Noble paid tribute to Vince for his significant contribution to the Club.

“We respect Bernie’s decision to pursue an opportunity with the Melbourne Football Club,” Noble said.

“From a List Management perspective, we weren’t prepared to offer Bernie a contract extension at this point in time. We understand Bernie’s desire to secure his playing future long-term and after the great service he’s given our footy club over a long period of time, we won’t stand in his way.

“Bernie is, and always will be, much loved by our players, staff, members and supporters, and everyone at the Club wishes him well.

“As a result of the trade, we’re pleased to have secured a pick early in the second round, which will give us more flexibility in this trade period or the upcoming national draft.”

Crows coach Brenton Sanderson said he respected Vince’s decision.

“Bernie has been a great player for Adelaide and will always be remembered here as a Club Champion and 100-gamer,” he said.

“We didn’t want to lose him but I understand his decision to seek some long-term security and we wish him all the best at Melbourne.”