Last-gasp deal for Ladhams

PORT Adelaide has moved up in the draft’s first round and secured another pick after sending ruckman Peter Ladhams to Sydney in the closing stages of the trade period.

As the seconds ticked towards Wednesday night’s deadline, the Power and the Swans agreed on a deal that moved the 23-year-old to the Harbour City, along with pick 16, for selection 12 and a 2022 third-rounder.

Port Adelaide had baulked at an earlier straight swap of pick 31 for Ladhams, who played 17 games this season.

The Power was firm in wanting a first-round selection attached to the deal and considered climbing up from 16 to 12 as the most important part of what it secured.

Ladhams was contracted for next season on a backended deal worth about $400,000 and Port Adelaide wanted maximum compensation.

Port Adelaide essentially swapped Ladhams for GWS Giants forward Jeremy Finlayson, whom it recruited last week for a 2022 third-round pick, improved its draft hand and saved money.