North Melbourne reportedly avoided penning Richmond free agent Bigoa Nyuon to a contract due to the compensation complications it would apparently cause.
It is understood the Kangaroos wanted to avoid diluting their Ben McKay compensation pick by signing Nyuon -- instead electing against a deal for the Tiger on Friday's free agency deadline day.
According toย SENย reporter Tom Morris on Friday evening, adding Nyuon via the unrestricted free agency avenue would have tainted North Melbourne's No. 3 pick it received from the AFL as compensation after Ben McKay departed for Essendon.
Bigoa Nyuon was set to join @NMFCOfficial as an unrestricted free agent by 5pm but it would have diluted the clubโs compensation for Ben McKay.
Heโs still likely to get to Arden Street, though it will need to be via a trade or the pre-season draft now. @1116sen @traderadio
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) October 13, 2023
Nyuon, an unrestricted free agent, can still be signed by the Roos as a delisted free agent at the beginning of November.
The athletic backman has managed just one senior game for Richmond across his four-year Tigerland tenure.
The Kangaroos are understood to be keen on upgrading defensively, particularly after losing McKay to the Bombers.
In a relevant move, North officially signed delisted free agent Toby Pink on Friday. Pink, a key-position defender prospect, was last on an AFL list in 2019.
Over the course of the trade period, the Roos have also added Sydney midfielder Dylan Stephens and Carlton forward Zac Fisher via respective trades.
North also farewelled Todd Goldstein to Essendon via free agency.
This year's trade period closes next Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 PM (AEDT), with the commencement of the delisted free agency signing period scheduled for November 1.
