Game of patience in wheeling and dealing
BRISBANE and Gold Coast kickstarted the annual trade period but proceedings quickly settled into the standard poker game, leaving the future of stars such as Lachie Neale and Steven May in limbo.
Geelong forward Lincoln McCarthy joined the Lions on a three-year deal with the first trade yesterday, which will see the Cats and Lions exchange third and fourth round picks.
The 24-year-old has managed 29 games since being drafted at No.66 in 2011, because of a series of foot, hip, hamstring and back injuries.
Brisbane football manager David Noble said the Lions’ focus this exchange period was for players in the 23-26 years bracket.
“Lincoln McCarthy fits that brief and has certainly been a player of interest for us over the past 12 months,” Noble said.
Brisbane have offered Docker Lachie Neale a fiveyear $4 million contract and are prepared to part with draft pick four, but recently appointed football manager and former captain Peter Bell is intent on convincing the two-time club champion to stay.
The 25-year-old is contracted for next season and due to become a restricted free agent at the end of 2019.
Meanwhile, Fremantle are still waiting to hear if Melbourne power forward Jesse Hogan will request a trade home after touring the club’s Cockburn facility last week.
It could have ramifications for the Suns, with Melbourne likely to receive a top 10 draft pick if he chooses to return to WA. That pick could get the deal done for May.