A trade of Blake Acres to Carlton is set to be Fremantle’s first trade of what is expected to be a busy Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period for the Club.
Acres arrived at Fremantle as a part of the Bradley Hill trade that also landed pick 10 from St Kilda in 2019.
He has played 45 games in three seasons for the Club, including 20 in 2022 in what was a career-best season.
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Head of Player Personnel David Walls said a third round pick was likely to be central to the deal for the midfielder.
“I think that (a third round selection) will be around the mark,” Walls told Trade Radio.
“We weren’t prepared to go to the length or term of contract offer that Carlton offered to Blake, and he’s looking for his own security.”
Walls said the trade would allow more opportunity to a group of young and talented players ready to step into the role.
“We feel we have a lot of coverage, a lot of young players on our list who can play that wing role,” Walls said.
“Nathan O’Driscoll played it really well this year, James Aish played it, guys like Liam Henry, Michael Frederick and even some of our half backs in terms of Jordan Clark, Hayden Young, Heath Chapman can also play up there, so we feel we have good coverage in that area.”
Walls also shut down any rumours that Liam Henry would be traded.
“We’ve got high hopes for Liam, with Blake Acres’ wing spot opening, we can really see Liam taking that over,” Walls said.
“He’s made huge gains again this year. He’s contracted for next year and there’s been no conversation about trading Liam or a request for a trade either, he’ll be with us next year.”
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Indicative Draft Order
