Thurlow the latest first-round Cat out the door

TRADING PLACES GEELONG’S FIRST-ROUND DRAFT SELECTIONS OF PAST 10 YEARS GONE UNSIGNED GONE GONE GONE INJURED

JACKSON Thurlow’s departure continues Geelong’s disappointing return from firstround draft selections over the past decade.

Sydney yesterday settled on Thurlow to boost its defensive depth after missing out on a couple of in-demand targets during AFL trade period.

The Swans parted with pick No. 70 to secure the rebounding defender on the final day of trade period.

Daniel Menzel (pick 17, 2009) and Nakia Cockatoo (pick 10, 2014) are the only two sons, having missed the Cats’ entire 2016 campaign because of a season-ending knee injury suffered during a practice match in Shepparton.

Swans football manager Tom Harley is confident the fringe Cat, who was taken with Geelong’s first pick in the 2012 draft (No. 16 overall), will find his feet at the SCG.

“At 24 years old, we think Jackson has a lot of good football ahead of him and will be a great addition to our defensive group,” Harley said.

“Jackson’s a great kick. He’s quick and damaging off a halfback flank and on the wing, and he’s a great character.”

Thurlow’s departure is far from the scenario the Cats had predicted two years ago when he was tipped to be Corey Enright’s replacement across halfback.

“Jackson has been a popular member of the club over his six years here,” Geelong football manager Simon Lloyd said.

“His overall positive nature and commitment to his football is a credit to him. We thank Jackson for his service to the club and wish him well as he continues his football career at the Sydney Swans.”

Trading out vice-captain Dan Hannebery and Gary Rohan was Sydney’s most pressing issue during the past fortnight. The fleet-footed Rohan ended up at Geelong on a two-year deal.

The Swans have also been actively hunting defenders that could ensure speedster Zak Jones and 2016 Rising Star winner Callum Mills are free to play more minutes in the midfield next year.

The Swans missed out on Collingwood’s Tom Langdon, who opted to sign a contract extension after strongly considering a move to Sydney, and Darcy Moore, plus Hawthorn’s two-time premiership winner Taylor Duryea, who instead joined Western Bulldogs.

Sydney also unsuccessfully pursued Melbourne hard nut Aaron vandenBerg.