MELBOURNE has secured nippy midfielder/half-forward Ben Kennedy from Collingwood in a four-way trade.
Along with Kennedy, the Demons have claimed picks No.29 and No.50 from Port Adelaide.
The deal sees utility Jeremy Howe move to Collingwood and midfielder Jimmy Toumpas head to Port Adelaide. Adelaide has also gained Paul Seedsman from Collingwood.
General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Kennedy was closely monitored by Melbourne in his draft year.
“Our recruiters rated him highly during his 2012 draft year and we now get him at a good time after being in an AFL system for three years,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“He will bring competitiveness and speed into our team and will assist the likes of Jeff Garlett, Jay Kennedy-Harris and Dean Kent in the forward half.
“By packaging up the Howe and Toumpas trades, it has allowed us to get the best overall net outcome for the club. It also gives us the picks needed to facilitate further trades before Thursday’s trade deadline.”
Kennedy, 21, has played 25 AFL matches after making his debut for Collingwood against St Kilda in round six, 2013.
One of his best performances at the Pies was a three-goal haul against Melbourne in just his sixth AFL match in 2013.
He was drafted at No.19 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
Howe moves on after 100 matches and 80 goals for the Demons from 2011-15.
Toumpas made 27 appearances for Melbourne from 2013-15.
The trade:
Melbourne
In: Ben Kennedy, No.29 and No.50
Out: Jeremy Howe, Jimmy Toumpas
Port Adelaide
In: Jimmy Toumpas, No.32
Out: No.29, No.50 and No.68
Collingwood
In: Jeremy Howe, No.68
Out: No.32, Ben Kennedy
Adelaide
In: Paul Seedsman
Out: No.32
