Fremantle have agreed to a trade with Carlton on the first day of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, with the Club receiving the Blues’ future third round selection for midfielder Blake Acres.
Acres, who turns 27 next week, arrived at Fremantle ahead of the 2020 season from St Kilda as a part of the Brad Hill trade, with Fremantle also receiving pick 10 and a future second round selection.
Acres played 45 games for Fremantle in his three seasons, including 20 in 2022 where he had a career-best season.
Head of Player Personnel David Walls said the Acres trade opened up opportunity for a group of talented young players.
“It’s unfortunate to lose Blake but we weren’t prepared to go to the length or term of contract offer that Carlton offered,” Walls said.
“We feel we are well positioned to cover his departure on the wing. Nathan O’Driscoll played really well this year and guys like Liam Henry, Michael Frederick, Matthew Johnson and Karl Worner have the capability to step into that role.
“We also have a number of half backs who we might look at moving up the ground in Jordan Clark, Hayden Young or Heath Chapman.”
The trade is the Club’s first of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, which will run through to Wednesday 12 October.
Fremantle now hold picks 13 and 72 in the upcoming 2022 NAB AFL Draft and Carlton’s future third round selection for the 2023 draft.
