North Melbourne defender Ben McKay becomes the latest player to cross over to Essendon this week. Photo: GETTY IMAGES
The second day of the 2023 AFL trade period was more subdued than the first, but another couple of players still made it to new homes.
North Melbourne defender Ben McKay became the latest footballer to cross to Essendon, following on from former Kangaroos teammate Todd Goldstein on Monday, while Melbourne premiership midfielder James Harmes is now a Bulldog.
McKay joined the Bombers as a restricted free agent on a six-year contract, meaning North received the very generous compensation of pick No.3 from the AFL. The Kangaroos now hold four selections inside the first round – two, three, 15 and 21.
With Essendon’s key defensive stocks desperately needing reinforcement, especially after Brandon Zerk-Thatcher’s trade request to Port Adelaide, and youngster Zach Reid experiencing fitness issues in the early part of his career, McKay will be seen as a welcome addition by the Bombers.
Having himself struggled to get out on the park in his first five years at Arden Street, managing just 15 games in that period, McKay has enjoyed far more consistency since 2020, playing 56 matches and becoming a rock-solid mainstay in North Melbourne’s (often besieged) defence.
“I’m extremely humbled to start a fresh chapter in my journey at Essendon,” McKay said.
“The opportunity that has presented itself at Essendon is something I’m very grateful for. With (coach) Brad (Scott) working hard to create a world-class football program, it’s something that I really want to be a part of and contribute strongly to, in the pursuit of taking this proud and powerful club back to where it belongs.
“I’m eager to play alongside and work with guys like Jordan Ridley, Andy McGrath, Mason Redman and Jayden Laverde in the backline.”
Meanwhile, Harmes heads to the Whitten Oval in exchange for a future-third round pick going back the Demons’ way.
A dangerous midfield/forward option at his best, registering at least 29 disposals in a game nine times, and kicking seven bags of three-plus goals, Harmes had been a walk-up start to Melbourne’s senior side for most of his 152-game career.
However, the 28-year-old dramatically fell out of favour this year, managing just nine games, three of which as the starting sub.
Bulldogs list manager Sam Power saw Harmes’ versatility as a big asset.
“James comes to us with plenty of experience, having played over 150 games and winning a premiership across his nine years in the system,” Power said.
“His defensive mindset and ability to cover the ground will add to our midfield group, while he also has the versatility to play in a variety of roles.”
Plenty of other dominoes are expected to fall over the next eight days of the exchange period.
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Collingwood on-baller Taylor Adams has made his intentions clear about heading to Sydney, St Kilda small forward Jade Gresham has nominated Essendon as his next club of choice, Port Adelaide youngster Xavier Duursma is also seeking a move to the Bombers, and gun Fremantle forward Lachie Schultz wants to become a Magpie.
The Power loom as a big player in the next week or so with Geelong swing man Esava Ratugolea, Zerk-Thatcher and Bulldogs ruckman Jordon Sweet all seemingly destined to join them.
Melbourne ruckman Brodie Grundy looks almost certain to head to Sydney in a move that would cap off a rollercoaster period in his career which will see him play for three clubs in as many years. He still has four years remaining on the lucrative contract he originally signed with Collingwood.
Essendon on-baller Dylan Shiel has been linked to the Gresham deal, and fringe Bombers defender Massimo D’Ambrosio has requested a trade to Hawthorn.
Bulldogs forward Rory Lobb is reportedly in the market for a fourth club – possibly Melbourne – while vastly-improved Fremantle youngster Liam Henry has asked to be traded to St Kilda.
Gold Coast looks set to lose a pair of key forwards with Mabior Chol and Chris Burgess set to cross to Hawthorn and Adelaide respectively, Carlton speedster Zac Fisher wants to join North Melbourne, and the Eagles are keen on Hawthorn’s Tyler Brockman.
Hawks forward Jacob Koschitzke has requested to be traded to Richmond, Sydney’s former top-five pick Dylan Stephens wants a fresh start at North Melbourne and Melbourne looks like it will be Brisbane ruck Tom Fullarton’s new home.
Carlton midfielder Paddy Dow wants to join St Kilda, the Blues are keen to unite Gold Coast’s Elijah Hollands with younger brother Ollie, and while the rumours won’t go away surrounding star Bulldog Bailey Smith potentially heading to Geelong, the Cats have dismissed those suggestions.
GWS have also shown interest in Port Adelaide’s Orazio Fantasia and Adelaide’s Elliott Himmelberg.
2023 PLAYER MOVEMENTS
7. James Harmes (Melb) traded to Western Bulldogs in exchange for Future Third-Round Pick.
6. Ben McKay (NM) joined Essendon as a restricted free agent. North Melbourne received Pick 3 (AFL) as compensation.
5. Todd Goldstein (NM) joined Essendon as an unrestricted free agent.
** Pick 23 (Fre) and Future Second-Round Pick (Fre) traded to Port Adelaide in exchange for Future First-Round Pick.
** Pick 4 (GC), Pick 46 (GC), Pick 51 (GC) and Future First-Round Pick (GC) traded to Western Bulldogs in exchange for Pick 10, Pick 17 and Future First-Round Pick.
4. Tom Doedee (Adel) joined Brisbane Lions as a restricted free agent. Adelaide received pick 20 (AFL) as compensation.
3. Joel Hamling (Fre) joined Sydney as an unrestricted free agent.
2. Matthew Flynn (GWS) joined West Coast as an unrestricted free agent. GWS received pick 42 (AFL) as compensation.
1. James Jordon (Melb) joined Sydney as an unrestricted free agent. Melbourne received pick 41 (AFL) as compensation.
