Cale Morton arrived at Melbourne with a round-one bang and left as a fifth-round whimper.

After managing only nine AFL games this season, the 22-year-old will go to West Coast in a deal brokered on the last day of the trade period.

Morton went to Melbourne with pick No.4 in the 2007 national draft and played 19 senior games the following year.

After another 21 games in 2009, injuries and form stalled his career.

In five seasons, Morton has managed 73 matches and became one of the casualties as the Demons overhauled their list.

West Coast only had to give up pick 88 to secure him, but see plenty of potential.

“Cale, we thought, presents an opportunity,” said Eagles recruiting manager Rohan O’Brien.

“He was a player we rated highly as a junior – I don’t think players lose their talent.

“So hopefully he can come in and get an opportunity.”

The goal will be for Morton to add depth to their midfield, following the retirement of Tom Swift and Koby Stevens’ move to the Western Bulldogs.

West Coast have grounds for optimism that they can turn Morton’s AFL fortunes around, particularly following the great success they had this season with Josh Hill.

The forward managed just 12 senior games for the Western Bulldogs last year and he was traded to the Eagles for pick 49.

Hill flourished at West Coast this season, playing 22 games in attack and kicking 36 goals.