MELBOURNE has snared exciting small forward Jeff Garlett from Carlton.
The Demons have given the Blues pick No.61 for Garlett. Melbourne has also received selection No.83 and handed Carlton choice No.79.
Manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Melbourne was “very happy to have Jeff join the club”.
“It was a role that we identified that we wanted to fill during the trade period as a small, crumbing forward,” he said.
“His record prior to last year stacks up with the best small forwards in the competition – he averages nearly two goals and three and a half tackles per game.
“We think that he can be a dangerous option for us in the forward line, working in tandem with Jay Kennedy-Harris and Dean Kent.”
Garlett kicked 183 goals in 107 matches for the Blues from 2009-14.
His best season haul came in 2011, when he booted 48 goals. He also kicked 43 goals in 2013 – and topped Carlton’s goalkicking that season. In his second season, Garlett booted 39 majors.
The 25-year-old was originally drafted at No.6 in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft (held in December 2008).
His best goalkicking feat in an AFL match is six goals against Essendon in round 19, 2010.
Garlett also has a strong football pedigree.
His cousin is the brilliant Lance Franklin. He is also related to former stars Dale Kickett and Derek Kickett. And his uncle is former Magpie small forward ace Leon Davis.
