This was published 3 years ago
Crow Jake Kelly set to join Victorian club, young Swan requests trade
By Peter Ryan
Jake Kelly is set to join Essendon when the free agency period begins post-season after the unrestricted free agent told Adelaide on Friday he was returning to Victoria.
Club sources confirmed the 26-year-old had agreed to join the Bombers after a solid 110-game career at the Crows, where he played in the 2017 grand final.
Jake Kelly is poised to join Essendon.Credit: Getty Images
The son of Collingwood premiership player Craig Kelly and brother of Magpies utility Will Kelly joined the Crows as a rookie in 2014 and became a reliable defender alongside Daniel Talia, Luke Brown and Tom Doedee, playing the game with a competitive edge.
He will be a handy asset for the Bombers as they recast their defence with Jordan Ridley an exceptional intercept defender, while the Crows free up spots as they continue a full-scale rebuild under Matthew Nicks.
Meanwhile, Sydney defender Jordan Dawson has told the Swans he wants to return to South Australia with both Adelaide and Port Adelaide keen to win the 24-year-old’s services.
Dawson finished third in the Swans’ best and fairest this season in a breakout year but decided, along with his partner, to return home to be near family.
Sydney sources believe Port Adelaide are in the box seat to win his services, but he is expected to meet with both clubs in Adelaide with the Swans expected to demand a good draft pick in exchange.
Sydney’s football manager Charlie Gardiner said in a statement they were disappointed to lose Dawson.
“Jordan has indicated to the club his desire to return to South Australia to be closer to family,” he said.
“Jordan has been weighing up this decision for some time and despite there being an attractive long-term deal on offer with the Swans, he has arrived at the decision that he would like to return home.
“The news is obviously disappointing for the club. Jordan is a young, hugely talented player who is coming off a breakout season in 2021, which only adds to the disappointment.”
Sydney young gun Jordan Dawson.Credit: Getty Images
The free agency market does not contain the stars of previous years with Jack Billings expected to re-sign with the Saints, while Sydney are set to lose George Hewett, with Carlton the most likely destination for the defensive midfielder.
North Melbourne free agent Trent Dumont has yet to receive an offer from the Kangaroos and is exploring his options. He had a strong 2020, finishing fifth in the club’s best and fairest before injuries hampered his start to 2021, with the club also looking to put games into young players.
Although disappointed at Dawson’s decision, Hayden McLean is negotiating with the Swans on a potential deal, but his future remains uncertain. James Bell will stay after fulfilling a trigger in his contract.
Meanwhile, the Giants announced that emerging midfielder Jacob Hopper has re-signed with the club extending his contract until the end of 2023. Hopper was one of their best players in 2021 and will finish high up in the club’s best and fairest.
Highly-rated former Brisbane Lions’ assistant Dale Tapping is expected to be in high demand when he returns to Victoria as several clubs look to secure assistant coaches for 2022.
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