GIANTS General Manager of Football Operations Wayne Campbell has indicated that star signing Brett Deledio could spend much of his time playing in the forward line in 2017.

Deledio became a GIANT just minutes before the deadline of this year's NAB AFL trade period, in exchange for a first- and third-round selection at next year's draft.

The 29-year-old joins the GIANTS on a three-year deal after playing 243 games in 12 seasons with the Richmond, where the speedy utility won two club champion awards, and was a dual All Australian. 

Campbell said Deledio's ability to play anywhere on the ground will be invaluable for a club that is bursting with talent.

"Half-forward would be nice for him, he's played a lot of footy there," he said.

"We see him as a forward, and we think he can compliment what we've got down there.

"He'll play a little bit of wing, a little bit of midfield, and a probably a bit of half-back as well."

It's another significant coup for the GIANTS, with Deledio's relationship with Campbell, list manager Craig Cameron, and Leon Cameron all contributing to his recruitment.

Campbell said the club was extremely fortunate to have a player of Deledio's quality on board.

"Brett is unquestionably one of the competition's elite players and has shown over a long period of time an ability to play a variety of roles which we think will complement our list well,” he said. 

"Our playing group has benefitted in recent years from the addition of quality experienced players like Shaw, Mumford, Johnson and Griffen and Brett's arrival continues this trend.

"To secure a player of Brett's ability while also maintaining a strong position in next month's national draft has resulted in a very positive trade period for the club." 

Campbell said that Deledio told the club he would like to join them after a visit to Sydney this week, and the star had taken a pay cut to become a GIANTS player.

"He understood that if he wants to be at a successful place towards the back end of his career, he has to make a sacrifice, and he has," he said.

"That indicates that he's here for the right reasons."