Busy AFL trade period comes to a close

The final pieces of the AFL trade puzzle fell into place just hours before Thursday’s deadline, with Chris Yarran and James Aish landing at Richmond and Collingwood respectively.

The duo were the major dominoes to fall at the end of a busy trade period that came to a close at 2pm (AEDT) at Etihad Stadium.

Carlton had long demanded the Tigers’ pick No.12 in return for Yarran but finally relented and accepted the 19th overall pick in a straight swap 30 minutes before the trade window closed.

After protracted negotiations, the Magpies secured Aish from Brisbane in a three-way deal that also sent North Melbourne’s Ryan Bastinac to the Lions.

“We were always clear that whatever deal we did we had to get a player come through to us and we think Ryan is an ideal player to replace James,” Brisbane football manager Peter Schwab said.

“He’s older, more credentialed and plays in a similar spot so it’s ideal for us.”

There had been speculation for months about Aish’s future, but it took plenty of haggling for the deal to be confirmed.

The complicated trade also involved the exchange of current and future draft picks among the three clubs.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon was a notable attendee at Etihad Stadium for Thursday’s last round of trade negotiations but he couldn’t convince GWS to part with forward Cam McCarthy, who had expressed his desire to move back to his home state with the Dockers.

McCarthy’s manager Colin Young fired a parting shot as he left Etihad Stadium, guaranteeing that his client, who is under contract at the Giants, would be seeking a trade again at the end of next season.

The Western Bulldogs’ acrimonious split with Michael Talia was the last trade completed with the defender headed to Sydney.

Last month the Dogs asked the AFL integrity unit to investigate whether he shared inside information with his brother Daniel at Adelaide ahead of their elimination final – something both players categorically denied.

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