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Kelly, Chol on the move in AFL

3 minute read

The AFL's free-agency period has begun with Jake Kelly moving to Essendon and Mabior Chol joining Gold Coast.

ROBBIE TARRANT.
ROBBIE TARRANT. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images.

Mabior Chol is officially a Sun after signing with Gold Coast on a four-year deal, while Sydney has three days to decide whether to match Carlton's offer for restricted free agent George Hewett.

Jake Kelly was the first player to officially switch clubs during the AFL off-season after the hard-running defender completed his move from Adelaide to Essendon as an unrestricted free agent on Friday.

The Crows will receive a third-round compensation pick for Kelly, which currently stands at No.42.

Chol's move to Gold Coast was confirmed later in the day, with the end of second round compensation pick heading to Richmond currently No.38.

In order to preserve that selection, the Tigers will attempt to secure veteran defender Robbie Tarrant via a trade with North Melbourne, rather than using free agency.

"Gold Coast was the club that I wanted to go to and to be able to go there now and be a Suns player is exciting," Chol said.

"The Suns have a really young list and I think that is the most exciting thing and a lot of good players too.

"I'm just really grateful that the club has shown a lot of interest in me and I'm the player for them. Hopefully I can pay them back for all the respect and trust they've shown me to go after me."

Chol played 31 games in six seasons at Punt Road but was unable to break into the Richmond team for any of the club's three premierships under Damien Hardwick.

The 24-year-old played 10 games in 2021, including an eye-catching four-goal performance in the Tigers' win over Brisbane in round 18.

Sydney midfielder Hewett is set for a move to Carlton under new coach Michael Voss on what is believed to be a four-year deal.

But the Swans have the option of keeping the 25-year-old by matching the offer.

Delisted St Kilda on-baller Luke Dunstan is also on the lookout for a new home.

Kelly played 110 games in eight years with Adelaide and became a regular at senior level in 2017 as the Crows reached the grand final.

The 26-year-old will reunite with Essendon coach Ben Rutten after the pair were Adelaide teammates in 2014.

Kelly has signed a three-year deal with the Bombers.

"In our discussions with Jake, he is very excited and motivated by the direction the club is headed," Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro said.

"We look forward to seeing what he can contribute to our emerging playing group in years to come."

Meanwhile, the AFL has confirmed that the upcoming trade period will be held in a virtual format due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Clubs will begin virtual meetings to discuss their options for the trade period from 9am AEST on Monday, with the period to conclude at 7:30pm AEST on Wednesday, October 13.

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