West Coast have snared Greater Western Sydney small forward Zac Langdon in the first deal of a slow start to the AFL trade period.
The Eagles flipped their third-round draft pick, currently No.54, to the Giants for Langdon, who booted 23 goals in 31 games across three seasons for GWS before requesting a trade home to Western Australia.
“Our club tracked Zac closely before he was drafted in 2017 and he has shown he can apply excellent forward pressure and hit the scoreboard at AFL level,” West Coast list manager Darren Glass said.
“He is also an elite runner and we feel he will add skill and speed to our attacking mix.
“We are confident that Zac’s best footy is still ahead of him.”
While West Coast and GWS kicked off proceedings, all eyes are on Adelaide, who have until 5pm AEDT on Wednesday to decide if they will match St Kilda’s bid for restricted free agent Brad Crouch or let him walk.
Last week, Adelaide head of football Adam Kelly indicated the Crows would match the bid if the Saints’ offer didn’t draw pick two as compensation.
He added that Adelaide were prepared to keep Crouch if a trade couldn’t be agreed.
Speculation abounds that the Crows would only be given a second-round compensation, around pick 23, but selections are expected to be further pushed back by academy bids.
If Adelaide match St Kilda’s offer, they will be the second team to take the unusual step this year after Greater Western Sydney matched Geelong’s offer to Jeremy Cameron.
The Giants and Cats will head to the trade table with the Cats’ bevy of first-round picks – currently 13, 15 and 20 – firmly in the Giants’ sights.
Several key forwards are set for moves this off-season.
GWS will complete a deal for Fremantle forward Jesse Hogan – a cut-price replacement for Cameron – at some point in the trade period while North Melbourne goal kicker Ben Brown has requested a trade to Melbourne.
Essendon will be busy as they negotiate deals to send Adam Saad to Carlton and Orazio Fantasia to Port Adelaide, while also working to secure GWS young gun Jye Caldwell.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the trade period is being conducted virtually with the AFL Review Centre being used as the main hub.
Clubs negotiate in virtual meetings and deals will be submitted via an online trade system.
