Swans premiership player Luke Parker and untried small forward Jacob Konstanty have officially been traded to North Melbourne in exchange for Pick 44.
Despite an unbudging group of Sydney list management, North Melbourne's offer has finally been agreed upon after days of standstill in negotiations. The 293-game Swan joins Jack Darling as rival club veterans who have signed with North Melbourne as experienced leaders to help develop a youthful Kangaroos brigade.
Following a loyal, 14-year tenure at the Swans, 2024 cast doubts for Parker's value in the side. Dropped to the VFL early in the year, Parker only played ten games for Sydney this season, returning only in Round 18 after also enduring a lengthy VFL suspension. Parker would play the final remaining matches in a successful Sydney campaign that once again fell at the final hurdle, kicking three goals in the Swans' 60-point loss to Brisbane in the grand final.
Parker will provide valuable leadership to emerging stars Harry Sheezel, George Wardlaw, and Colby McKercher, whilst Pick 44 extends Sydney's current draft hand of 19, 22, and 59.