Deal: Fremantle give up Ed Langdon, pick 26 and a future fourth-round selection in exchange for the Demons pick 22, 79 and a future second-round selection.
Melbourne have finally managed to lure Ed Langdon from the Dockers in a deal that is sure to satisfy both parties.
The Demons get the fast-paced, outside runner they desperately require, with their midfield stocks overflowing with hard-hitting onballers that can't match the speed of some of the league's smoothest movers.
Fremantle, while losing a key component to their 2019 season, shed some of their run and carry weight, while collecting some much-needed draft picks that can both assist with current off-season moves and potentially add to the final stages of their re-build.
What it means for Melbourne...
Fans have cried out for more run and carry after a tumultuous year that saw the Demons finish one place from collecting the wooden spoon.
For too long Simon Goodwin and Melbourne fans alike have been eagerly awaiting on the development of some of their prized draft selections to emerge into the mould they were once forecasted to form into.
Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw, James Harmes and Jayden Hunt would have all been given a failing grade for their 2019 campaigns, a grade similar to the club's performance for this year.
Goodwin has stressed that it is time for actions and not words, and Langdon may just be the saviour the club needs to resurrect the results the club found in 2018.
The dashing wingman failed to reach 23 disposals just five times this season, where he boasted an average of 25 possessions, three rebound 50's and 3.6 inside 50's a game as one of the league's best uncontested possession midfielders.
Notably, the 23-year-old collected a career-high 37 touches and a staggering 861 metres gained in Round 22 against Essendon.
The downside, Langdon has found many critics in his use of the ball and defensive reliability. Moving at a rate of 60% by foot, Langdon will need to further develop his lace-out accumulation to match high standard the Dees are sure to set.
As for his two-way game, Langdon ranks below-average in tackling and pressure acts, but makes up for it with intercept possessions, averaging 4.2 a game this season.
The Demons hold onto the 3rd overall pick, gain selection no.26, Langdon and Giants swingman Adam Tomlinson while still having pick 50.
Simon Goodwin has stared the trade window strongly, with this exchange, in particular, a strong move heading into 2020.
Grade: B
What it means for Fremantle...
As for the Dockers, losing Langdon is set to cause some concern for incoming coach Justin Longmuir as a few magnets will need to be moved to fill the void.
With the likes of Michael Walters, Nathan Wilson, Luke Ryan, Reece Conca and Connor Blakely all set to hold onto their positions in purple for 2020, the Dockers won't struggle to find a replacement out on the wing.
Langdon featured within the top five between the Dockers for disposals, uncontested possessions, marks, rebound 50's, inside 50's and bounces in 2019, while accumulating the third-highest time on ground percentage excluding key position players.
Fremantle now adds picks 22 and 79 to their drafting arsenal for 2019, with picks 7 and 83 still remaining on the board.
Dockers' footy boss Peter Bell is successfully playing hard ball for Brad Hill, and if the Saints give in to his demands, Freo will be a major player come draft day.
Little news has blown from the west regarding who Fremantle may be chasing during the exchange period, as they will likely look to add to their list via the draft.
With a number of new selections between both the 2019 and 2020 drafts, the Dockers are definitely setting themselves up nicely, with a trip to September closer than many may think.
Grade: B
