AFL Trade Period: Port Adelaide trades Peter Ladhams to Sydney Swans

Port told Peter Ladhams to find a new home, played hard ball when he chose Sydney and then eventually got what it wanted for the talented big man. Here’s what went down.

Peter Ladhams is on his way to Sydney. Picture: AAP

Port Adelaide has moved up in the draft’s first round and secured another pick after sending ruckman Peter Ladhams to Sydney in the closing stages of the trade period.

As the seconds ticked towards Wednesday night’s deadline, the Power and Swans agreed on a late deal that moved the 23-year-old to the Harbour City, along with pick 16, for selection 12 and a 2022 third rounder.

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Peter Ladhams is on his way to Sydney. Picture: AAP

Port Adelaide had baulked at an earlier straight swap of pick 31 for Ladhams, who played 17 games this season, including both finals.

The Power was firm all along in wanting a first-round selection attached to the deal and considered climbing up from 16 to 12 as the most important part of what it secured.

Ladhams was contracted for next season on a backended deal worth about $400,000 and Port Adelaide wanted maximum compensation.

Port Adelaide essentially swapped Ladhams for GWS forward Jeremy Finlayson, who it recruited last week for a 2022 third-round pick, improved its draft hand and saved money.

Ladhams, a childhood Power supporter who grew up not far from Alberton, was not keen to leave the club until the Power instigated the discussion around him looking elsewhere.

Power told Ladhams to explore his options. Picture: Kelly Barnes

But he came to view Sydney as a fresh start and great opportunity, getting the chance to work under premiership mentor John Longmire and ruck coach Dean Cox.

He will work alongside big man Tom Hickey, while the Power considers Finlayson as able to provide ruck support for No. 1 Scott Lycett.

Tall forward Mitch Georgiades is also in the wings after missing both finals.

“Once Peter requested a trade to Sydney, we worked with the Swans to facilitate an agreement that would benefit both parties,” Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps said.

“Pleasingly, we have strengthened our hand for next month’s national draft, as well as the 2022 draft, to allow us to bring in some talented young players that will complement our developing group.”

Sydney was able to focus solely on the Ladhams deal after agreeing to trade Jordan Dawson to Adelaide for Melbourne’s 2022 first-round pick late on Tuesday night.

Swans football boss Charlie Gardiner said Cox was looking forward to working with the versatile, mobile big man.

“He is only 23 years of age and we see him as a long-term ruckman for the club, complementing Tom Hickey who we brought to the club during last year’s trade period,” Gardiner said.

Port Adelaide’s swap leaves it with picks 12, 63, 73, 74 and 92 in next month’s draft, to be held on November 24 and 25.

Sydney now has 16, 31, 39, 70 and 88.

Originally published as AFL Trade Period: Port Adelaide trades Peter Ladhams to Sydney Swans