PORT ADELAIDE welcomes Ryan Burton and Sam Mayes to Alberton and bids farewell to Chad Wingard after completing a complicated three-way trade with Hawthorn and Brisbane on the last day of the AFL trade period.
Along with Burton and Mayes, the deal also sees Port Adelaide gain picks 5 and 15 in the AFL National Draft, giving it three
The Power also receives the future fourth-round selection the Hawks received from the Western Bulldogs but sends its future
As part of the
To complete the trade Port Adelaide will also give up its future
Burton’s move sees him join the club he supported as a child growing up in Adelaide.
The 21-year-old has played 47 games for five goals since making his debut in 2016.
The Runner-up in the 2017 NAB AFL Rising Star award is known for his ability to read the play and launch counter attacks using his composure and sublime foot skills.
Averaging 18 disposals and five marks per game, Burton can play in defence, the midfield or up forward.
“We are excited about what Ryan can bring to Port Adelaide,” said General Manager – Football, Chris Davies.
“We know about his ability to play on both
“Clearly he can play as a defender but we see him also developing as a midfielder or forward and having a long and successful future at Alberton.”
Mayes, 24, has played 101 AFL games since debuting in 2013.
The Port Pirie product played for North Adelaide in the SANFL before being picked up by Brisbane with pick 8 at the 2012 AFL National Draft.
Mayes is a 2013 AFL Rising Star nominee and the Lions’ 2013 rookie of the year.
“Sam will add run and experience to our group,” Davies said.
“We are pleased to be able to bring him back to South Australia and give him an opportunity to rediscover his best form.
“Sam can play in defence, on the wing or in the forward line and he can only add value to our squad.”
Davies was also quick to acknowledge Wingard’s service to the club.
The 25-year-old has played 147 games and kicked 232 goals since being recruited from Sturt with pick six in the 2011 AFL National Draft.
The Murray Bridge product is twice an All-Australian, twice club leading
“Chad requested a trade to Hawthorn, which left the club with a decision to make as to whether we traded him this year and controlled the situation or lost him next year to free agency and receive a compensation pick,” Davies said.
“We think we have been able to achieve an outcome here which sees the club secure a talented player in Ryan Burton and draft selections which will help our playing list into the future.
“Chad has made countless friendships at Port Adelaide that will remain strong and we wish him well.”
The trade means Port Adelaide now holds three
“We planned to be aggressive in this trade period and give ourselves the best possible hand in the draft,” Davies said.
“Planning to get as high as we can in this Draft was a priority and we are really pleased to be in this position heading into the draft.
“We feel we have achieved that goal, and we look forward to securing some talented young players to go with the additions of Lycett, Burton and Mayes to improve our team and overall list at next month’s draft.”
More on portadelaidefc.com.au...