DAWSON ‘PRICE IS RIGHT’
ADELAIDE list manager Justin Reid has defended what the club has given Sydney for Jordan Dawson, saying it is “fair and reasonable”.
After lengthy negotiations, the Swans accepted Melbourne’s 2022 first-round selection from the Crows for the 24-yearold South Australian late on Tuesday night, in a swap Sydney football boss Charlie Gardiner has described as not reflecting true value.
Dawson, third in the best and fairest last month, was
out of contract, opening the prospect of Adelaide taking the 64-gamer via the preseason draft.
Reid said the Crows did not raise that possibility because it was keen to do a deal in good faith.
He later estimated on AFL Trade Radio between 10 and 15 offers were made before an agreement was reached.
“We worked hard to bring Jordy into the football club,” Reid said. “We feel like what we put on the table early in the trade period and the deal that was agreed to last night was fair and reasonable for both parties.
“It’s a trade period and we’re all trying to make our lists better, so it’s the environment we live in.”
Robe-raised Dawson rejected a new contract from Sydney and requested a homecoming trade to SA last month, before choosing the Crows over Port Adelaide.
Reid did not expect the outcome to hinder future negotiations between Adelaide and the Swans.
He said the Crows had respect for Sydney and he had a good relationship with its chief executive, Tom Harley, as well as list manager Kinnear Beatson.