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Hayden Crozier moves traded from Fremantle to Western Bulldogs, set to move into defence

THE Western Bulldogs will reprogram Hayden Crozier into a defender to help its transitioning backline after the retirements of Bob Murphy and Matthew Boyd.

Hayden Crozier in action for Fremantle.
Hayden Crozier in action for Fremantle.

THE Western Bulldogs will reprogram Hayden Crozier into a defender to help its transitioning backline after the retirements of captain Bob Murphy and premiership star Matthew Boyd.

Crozier, 23, arrives at Whitten Oval as the club’s second recruit after last week signing Port Adelaide free agent Jackson Trengove.

They are not understood to be targeting any other players.

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The Dogs sent pick No.40 to Fremantle for the high-flyer, who has long been on the club’s hit list.

Recruiter Simon Dalrymple thought about drafting Crozier at pick No.17 in 2011, but instead plumped for inside midfielder Clay Smith.

Crozier landed at the Dockers three selections later, where he played 69 games across six seasons.

Hayden Crozier marks over Billy Stretch. Picture: Wayne Ludbey
Hayden Crozier marks over Billy Stretch. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The Eastern Ranges product arrives with a friendly face at the kennel - he is a relative of chief commercial officer Nick Truelson.

Crozier provided the junior highlight of 2011 as he leapt cleanly onto the shoulders of a West Australian opponent to take a screamer on Vic Metro’s goalline.

The high chest mark foreshadowed Crozier’s natural athleticism.

“Hayden’s got a great athletic profile, which will allow us the flexibility to play him back, forward or wing, with his aerial game a particular strength,” Dogs list manager Jason McCartney said.

While Murphy was deployed forward for parts of this season and Boyd fell to the VFL, Crozier adds another flavour to the changing back half.

The Dogs also traded sent pick No.82 to Fremantle and received a future fourth-round selection in return.

Originally published as Hayden Crozier moves traded from Fremantle to Western Bulldogs, set to move into defence

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/hayden-crozier-moves-traded-from-fremantle-to-western-bulldogs-set-to-move-into-defence/news-story/1f725fa87d6b94d9ed045ce23136190d