MIDFIELDER James Jordon will depart the club to join the Sydney Swans as an unrestricted free agent.

The 22-year-old makes the move on the opening day of the Unrestricted and Restricted Free Agency Period, with the Demons receiving an end of Round Two pick (currently No.39) as compensation.

Under the rules, Jordon was free to explore further opportunities at the conclusion of the season, due to being delisted by the club and resigned as a rookie at the end of 2020.

Melbourne List Manager Tim Lamb thanked Jordon for his contribution.

“James has been a much-loved member of our program since arriving at the end of 2018, and while we are disappointed to see him go, we also understand his decision to pursue further opportunities,” Lamb said.

“We thank James for his contribution and commitment to the club over a number of years.”

Jordon played 18 games in 2023, including six matches as the starting substitute, and 65 games overall in his time as a Demon. This included Melbourne’s 2021 AFL premiership where he was named as the medical substitute.

Jordon was selected by the Demons with pick No.33 in the 2018 AFL Draft.