JIMMY Toumpas will join Port Adelaide in 2016 following a four-club trade to secure the young midfielder.
The complex trade involved negotiations between Melbourne, Collingwood, Adelaide and Port Adelaide, which will see Toumpas arrive at Alberton with Pick 32 in exchange for Picks 29, 50 and 68.
A South Australian at heart, Toumpas relocated to Melbourne after being drafted to the Dees at Pick 4 in 2012. There he’s played 27 games over three seasons.
VIDEO: Jimmy Toumpas highlights
The 21-year-old said he’s pleased to be heading to Alberton in his home state of SA next year.
“I’m really happy to be heading back to South Australia and I’m excited about the opportunity Port Adelaide has given me,” Toumpas said.
“I just want to get in a strong pre-season and work hard to give myself a chance to make team come Round one.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Melbourne and thank everyone at the Demons for the support they’ve shown me over the past few years.”
Port Adelaide is excited to have the livewire midfielder on board - Port Adelaide general manager of football Chris Davies says it’s a fantastic result for the club.
“Jimmy was an elite junior who has a great ability to run and carry and we believe he can become a really strong member of our side,” Davies said.
“He’s a terrific young man and we look forward to him to working hard to develop his football and maximise his talent.”
THE DEAL
The complex deal closes a number of key player trades across the league, delivering Jeremy Howe to Collingwood, Ben Kennedy to Melbourne, Paul Seedsman to the Crows and of course, Toumpas to Port Adelaide.
Draft picks were exchanged as part of the deal - Port Adelaide parts with Picks 29 and 50 to Melbourne, and Pick 68 to Collingwood. The Crows exchange Pick 32 for Seedsman with Collingwood, with Pick 32 then passed on to Port Adelaide.
