TRADE DEADLINE
With the trade deadline looming Goodie's Giants FC have bolstered their defense as they position themselves for a late run at this year's finals. The Giants have acquired key defender Steven May from Jabukanji Stingers for untried rookie Ely Smith and a swap of 2021 draft picks.
The Jabukanji Stingers are pleased to announce the arrival of Pick No. 21 at the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, Ely Smith through a trade with Goodie's Giants FC, with Steven May departing.
Smith was a late call-up to the National AFL Draft night, and the rumours that Brisbane invited him were true with the Lions selecting him in the first round. Smith has enjoyed a terrific season for the Murray Bushrangers, going from virtually unknown in draft calculations, to a first round pick. He famously missed out on Vic Country selection, then received a late call-up there too, to show off at GMHBA Stadium in the final game.
What Smith brings to the table is his terrific hands and vision in close, often winning the ball at the coalface and dishing off to a teammate on the outside with a no-fuss approach to his football. He is ready to go if required, and is a good size as that prototype midfielder.
As the trade deadline looms the Stingers will continue to look for opportunities to improve draft position and bring in young players. Defenders Jake Lever and Aliir Aliir will garner interest, whilst experienced midfielder Ed Curnow could bolster finals bound teams.
Goodie's Giants FC and Jabukanji Stingers have made a further trade with experienced midfielder Ed Curnow transferring to the Giants in exchange for 2018 rookie midfield bull Tom Sparrow, who will now look to break into the Stingers team either up forward or his long term goal of the midfield. Mid round 2021 draft picks were also exchanged.
Whilst the expected last day trade frenzy didn't occur there was significant action. A bombshell trade involving Jabunkanji Stingers captain Lachie Whitfield headlined the day.
Looking to the future the Jabukanji Stingers traded captain Lachie Whitfield to the Goodie's Giants FC shocking the Ultimate community. The Giants via multiple trades have rocketed themselves into premiership contention having acquired Whitfield, Steven May and Ed Curnow in recent days.
The Giants gave up the highly rated forward, 2017 pick 12, Darcy Fogarty and competitive small forward, 2018 pick 16, Ned McHenry to obtain Whitfield. They also parted with TailsPower 2021 Pre-Season Round 2 draft pick acquired earlier in the season. Some salary swallowing was also involved in the deal.
The Stingers have restructured their list bringing in highly rated youngsters who they hope will be the foundation of the team for many years. Given their current position on the ladder, they will go into the 2021 Pre-season draft with four selections in the top 21, providing a further injection of young talent.
In the other trade for the day, The Darkness acquired tall forward Billy Frampton from the Giants for their 2021 2nd round and 7th round picks with the Giants round 5 and Stingers round 6 coming back their way.
Teams are now set leading into the Festival of Fantasy and the inaugural finals.