Greater Western Sydney’s 2017 premiership push has gathered steam, with Richmond signing off on a deal to send forward Brett Deledio to the AFL expansion club.
The Giants sealed the deal for the talismanic forward in the final minutes of the AFL trade window on Thursday.
But they could have paid an almighty price, giving up an on-traded first-round draft pick, originally from Geelong, as well as their own third-round pick in the 2017 draft.
Geelong’s finishing position next year will determine the quality of the draft selection.
Deledio requested a trade away from Punt Road late on Wednesday, with the two clubs landing the deal in the frantic final minutes of the window on Thursday.
The two-time Richmond club champion heads north to help the expansion club’s quest for a premiership after falling at the second-last hurdle in 2016.
Giants football boss Wayne Campbell said the 243-game player could be one of the final pieces of their premiership puzzle.
“His experience and leadership will be invaluable,” Campbell said.
“Brett is unquestionably one of the competition’s elite players and has shown over a long period of time an ability to play a variety of roles which we think will complement our list well.
“Our playing group has benefited in recent years from the addition of quality experienced players like (Heath) Shaw, (Shane) Mumford, (Steve) Johnson and (Ryan) Griffen.
“Brett’s arrival continues this trend.”
In other trades completed on Thursday, the Giants sent trio Caleb Marchbank, Jarrod Pickett and Rhys Palmer to Carlton.
While the Tigers lose one of their favourite sons, they have added quality to their midfield with the addition of Josh Caddy and Dion Prestia.
Richmond football talent manager Dan Richardson said the club understood their vice-captain’s desire to move on.
“Brett’s a fantastic player and has given our football club wonderful service for 12 seasons,” he said.
Toby Nankervis also joined the club during a busy trade period, with Ty Vickery exercising free agency rights to join Hawthorn.
