The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS have today traded four players to Carlton in exchange for second, fifth and sixth round selections in the upcoming 2015 NAB AFL Draft as well as swapping the GIANTS’ first selection in this year’s draft for a future first-round pick in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft.
Defender Lachie Plowman, ruckman Andrew Phillips and small forwards Jed Lamb and Liam Sumner will join Carlton in exchange for a second-round pick (currently 28, received by Carlton in a trade with Adelaide) as well as fifth and sixth round selections (currently 77 and 95).
The GIANTS have also exchanged their first pick in this year’s NAB AFL Draft (currently pick 8) for the 2016 future first-round pick the Blues acquired from Geelong in exchange for Lachie Henderson.
The acquisition of these draft picks, along with selections already obtained from Richmond (pick 70) and Adelaide (future second-round pick) have enhanced the GIANTS’ position across the next two draft selection meetings.
“With the introduction of trading future picks, we have implemented a strategy that ensures we are well placed this year and in a very strong position next year,” said GIANTS General Manager Football Graeme Allan.
“We feel we're well placed to achieve our desired outcomes at this year's draft in addition to setting ourselves up for a productive draft period next year when a number of PM Capital Academy players will come through.
“We are set for a strong return at this year’s draft and as one of the youngest lists in the AFL we see an opportunity to build currency in next year's draft and trade periods.”
Allan said it was pleasing to orchestrate a mutually beneficial trade with Carlton for four young players seeking more playing time.
“Given the competition for places on our list some players will naturally seek greater playing opportunities elsewhere, as is the case with Lachie, Andrew, Jed and Liam,” said Allan.
“Lachie, Andrew, Jed and Liam are outstanding young men and we wish them well for the future. We thank them for their contribution to our football club over a number of years.
“We are also required to reduce our list ahead of the 2016 season in accordance with AFL rules and the draft selections gained through these trades will form an important part of our strategy at next month’s NAB AFL Draft.”
After being drafted with pick number three in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, Lachie Plowman played 20 games for the GIANTS. A pre-season elbow injury limited the 21-year-old to two games in 2015.
Andrew Phillips joined the GIANTS in the rookie draft ahead of the club’s inaugural season in 2012. The 24-year-old played four games in 2015 to take his career tally to 14.
Drafted at pick 21 in 2010, Jed Lamb has played 22 AFL games including 10 for the GIANTS since crossing from the Swans at the end of 2013. Named in the 2015 NEAFL Team of the Year, the 23-year-old made two senior appearances this season.
After being selected with pick 10 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, Liam Sumner played 12 AFL games for the GIANTS. After battling injury throughout his career, particularly this season, the 22-year-old small forward did not play a senior game in 2015.
During this trade period the GIANTS have signed Steve Johnson and Dawson Simpson from Geelong and currently hold picks 27, 28, 48, 66, 70, 77, 84, 95 and 102 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft in addition to two future first-round picks and two future second-round picks in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft.
