Fremantle have snared key forward Josh Corbett in a trade with Gold Coast, with Freo sending a future fourth round pick (tied to Fremantle) to the Suns.
The 26-year-old has 33 games to his name from four seasons, including a promising 2021 where he kicked 23 goals from 16 games.
He struggled for opportunity in 2022, missing nine weeks with a hip complaint and playing four games at AFL level, but was significant in the Suns’ push to the VFL preliminary final kicking 25 goals from 12 games.
Raised in Warrnambool in regional Victoria, Corbett played for Werribee in the VFL prior to being signed by the Suns at the age of 23.
In 2018, he won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the most promising young talent in the VFL – an award won previously by Michael Barlow and Luke Ryan.
With the departure of Griffin Logue earlier in the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, Corbett is an important addition to Fremantle’s tall forward stocks.
Head of Player Personnel David Walls welcomed Corbett to the Club.
“We’re very pleased to bring in a player like Josh, he was a significant contributor to the Suns in 2021, and while he didn’t play much at AFL level this year, he continued to perform well in the VFL,” Walls said.
“From our meetings with him, it’s clear he’s coming to Fremantle with the desire to work hard and earn his place in the team, and we can see him being a great cultural fit within our group of players who are eager to get the best out of themselves and each other.
“We can see him filling the role left by Griffin Logue, as a hit up forward who will create a contest and bring his fellow forwards into the game.
“It’s a busy time for Josh as he will be getting married to his partner Mikayla next month, and we welcome them both to the Fremantle family.”
Corbett is Fremantle’s first player addition of the Trade Period after the departures of Logue, Darcy Tucker and Blake Acres earlier this week.
The Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period will run through to Wednesday 12 October.
FREMANTLE DRAFT HANDS
2022: 13, 76
2023: 1st round (Fremantle), 2nd round (Fremantle, North Melbourne priority), 3rd round (North Melbourne priority, Carlton), 4th round (North Melbourne)
FREMANTLE LIST CHANGES
TRADED IN: Josh Corbett (primary list)
TRADED OUT: Griffin Logue, Darcy Tucker, Blake Acres (all primary list)
RETIRED: David Mundy (primary list)
DELISTED: Joel Western (primary list), Connor Blakely (rookie list)
