Cameron leaves Crows’ nest as Port offload three
Charlie Cameron has walked out on Adelaide, but the Crows have been handsomely compensated, as both South Australian AFL clubs went into hyperdrive in the frantic last hours of another controversial trade period.
Charlie Cameron finally has reason to smile. Photo: Michael Errey / InDaily
The Crows were handed Brisbane’s pick 12 in this year’s draft for Cameron in the dying minutes before deadline, capping off a big day for Adelaide’s list manager Justin Reid – who earlier prised former No.1 draft pick Bryce Gibbs from Carlton in a complicated swap of picks that saw Adelaide without a first round selection this year.
The bounty for Cameron makes amends for that, while the Crows also bolstered its list with ageing North Melbourne winger Sam Gibson. The Kangaroos had delisted the 31-year-old last week, but the Crows passed on their pick 91 to secure his services.
Former Roo – and new Crow – Sam Gibson. Photo: Tracey Nearmy / AAP
Meanwhile, Port Adelaide offloaded Matthew Lobbe to Carlton for Pick 95, as the out-of-favour ruckman seeks to revive his senior career after losing his place in the side to All Australian big-man Paddy Ryder.
Fringe Power defender Logan Austin got his wish to join St Kilda, with a swap of future lower-round picks sealing the deal.
And forward Aaron Young is Gold Coast-bound after being traded to the Suns in return for the future fourth-round selection Gold Coast received yesterday as part of its trade for former Crow Harrison Wigg.
Port Adelaide List Manager Jason Cripps said: “Aaron showed in 2016 what a damaging player he can be, but outside that season hasn’t played AFL football as consistently as he would have liked”.
“Understandably he’s seeking more senior opportunity,” he told the club’s website.
“Gold Coast is able to offer that and although we see Aaron as a valuable member of our squad we wouldn’t stand in his way.”
Port also sealed a swap of latter-round draft picks with North Melbourne.
Queenslander Cameron had requested a trade back to Brisbane on “compassionate” grounds, with the Lions initially reported to have dangled an end-of-round-one pick for his services. But the Crows will regard pick 12 as a big win for a player who rarely hit his straps in 2017 – but showed a big glimpse of his great potential with a five-goal best-on-ground performance in Adelaide’s preliminary final win.
Reid said in a statement: “Charlie has brought his teammates, coaches and Adelaide fans plenty of joy during his time with us.”
“We recognise his desire to be closer to family and friends in Queensland and wish him all the very best for the future.”
As the trade period wound down, dual Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett sealed his fairytale return to Geelong after Gold Coast agreed to a last-minute AFL trade.
The dual Brownlow medallist was dealt to the Cats within the final 30 minutes, with Gold Coast receiving Geelong’s No.19 draft pick and swapping a future selection as part of the deal.
After a two-week standoff, controversial Bulldog Jake Stringer made it to Essendon for picks 25 and 30; the former pick was sent on to Brisbane with the Dogs’ pick 40 for former No.2 pick Josh Schache.
