Midfielder James Jordon is off to Sydney after five years with the Demons. Photo: AFL MEDIA
The name “Collingwood” has barely been inscribed on this year’s premiership cup, but that has not stopped the footy world from quickly shifting focus to the annual player meat market.
Less than a week after the Magpies proudly claimed their record-equalling 16th VFL/AFL flag, the league’s free agency period has officially commenced.
On Monday, the trade period kicks off.
The first day of player movement has been rather subdued, with just the one recruitment confirmed in the form of Melbourne premiership player James Jordon crossing to Sydney as an unrestricted free agent.
Taken at pick 33 in the 2018 national draft, Jordon had to wait three years to make his senior debut, and it was worth the wait as he played every game in 2021, including the Demons’ drought-breaking premiership (albeit is as an unused medical sub).
Jordon played 18 of his 65 games for Melbourne this year, but experienced a frustrating season which saw him employed as the starting sub six times and subbed off another two occasions.
The Swans already have an exciting midfield group which contains the likes of breakout youngster Errol Gulden, Chad Warner, veteran Luke Parker, Ollie Florent and James Rowbottom, but Jordon will be brought in to bolster that on-ball brigade, especially with captain Callum Mills expected to miss a large chunk of the season due to a serious shoulder injury sustained in a Mad Monday mishap.
“He has had an impressive start to his career to date and comes with experience in a successful program at Melbourne, so we are confident he will make us better,” Sydney football manager Charlie Gardiner said.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming James to the club.”
Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb praised Jordon as a “much-loved member” of the club since joining five years ago.
“While we are disappointed to see him go, we also understand his decision to pursue further opportunities,” Lamb said.
“We thank James for his contribution and commitment to the club over a number of years.”
As compensation for Jordon’s departure, the Demons have received an end-of-second-round pick at this year’s draft which is currently No.39.
But Sydney’s snaring of Jordon promises to be just a drop in the ocean of what looms as yet another frenetic exchange period.
With the pre-period earthquake surrounding Melbourne superstar Clayton Oliver ultimately proving to be a minor tremor by the end of this week, the attention shifts to myriad other players searching for new homes.
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The latest bombshell to drop in that category is Collingwood veteran Taylor Adams who is reportedly exploring a move to Sydney after a heartbreaking hamstring injury forced him out of this year’s grand final.
If he was to link up with the Swans, he could reacquaint himself with a familiar face because Melbourne ruckman, and former Magpies teammate, Brodie Grundy looks almost certain to head harbourside as well.
The move would cap off a rollercoaster period in Grundy’s career that will see him play for three clubs in as many years with four years still remaining on his lucrative contract.
Sydney looks as though it will be one of the busiest players this year with Fremantle defender Joel Hamling also apparently weighing up a move to the SCG.
Essendon is primed for a hectic exchange period too, with no fewer than four players linked to them at this stage – North Melbourne duo Ben McKay and Todd Goldstein, St Kilda small forward Jade Gresham and Port Adelaide wingman Xavier Duursma.
But it’s not all one-way traffic at Bomberland with promising defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and fringe player Massimo D’Ambrosio requesting trades to Port Adelaide and Hawthorn respectively.
Like Hamling, Bulldogs forward Rory Lobb is reportedly in the market for a fourth club – possibly Melbourne – while Lobb’s teammate Jordon Sweet looks set to cross to Port Adelaide.
Vastly-improved Fremantle youngster Liam Henry has asked to be traded to St Kilda, Adelaide vice-captain Tom Doedee is intent on joining the Lions, and Geelong big man Esava Ratugolea will ensure a busy period for Port Adelaide considering he is another player who has nominated the Power as his next club of choice.
Gold Coast looks set to lose a pair of key forwards with Mabior Chol and Chris Burgess seemingly destined for Hawthorn and Adelaide respectively, Carlton speedster Zac Fisher wants to join North Melbourne, and the Eagles are keen on Hawthorn’s Tyler Brockman and GWS ruckman Matt Flynn.
Elsewhere, Hawthorn 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.
So strap yourselves in ladies and gentlemen, because the next 12 days promise to be as frenzied as ever.
2023 PLAYER MOVEMENTS
1. James Jordon (Melb) joined Sydney as an unrestricted free agent. Melbourne received pick 39 (AFL).
