Magpies free agent Brody Mihocek becomes a Demon

3 days ago 3

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Collingwood’s 2023 premiership forward Brody Mihocek has agreed join Melbourne as a free agent.

As the AFL player exchange period heats up ahead of the start of the official trading period on Monday, the Magpies and Demons confirmed Mihocek’s club switch.

Essendon have also confirmed ruckman Sam Draper’s move to back-to-back premiers the Brisbane Lions, with the Bombers to receive a first-round draft pick, No.20 overall, as compensation.

Mihocek departs the Magpies as an unrestricted free agent, playing 159 games in eight seasons in the black and white.

A vital member of Collingwood’s premiership team two years ago, Mihocek kicked 267 goals for the Pies and topped the club’s goalkicking five times.

The Bombers were rapt to secure an end-of-first-round pick for Draper, 27, who was restricted to 78 games in red and black.

Essendon’s general manager list and recruiting Matt Rosa said they were in a strong position to lure talent to the club.

“We are excited about the draft hand we’ll take into the trade and draft period, now three first-round picks along with two second rounders,” Rosa said.

“Having five picks inside 30 is a very strong position to be in and this provides us with great flexibility whether that’s through the draft itself or the trade period.”

Collingwood thanked Mihocek and said he would “always be a Collingwood person”.

“Brody has played a key role within our football program over the past eight years, and we thank him for his contribution to the black and white,” said general manager of list and talent strategy Justin Leppitsch in a statement.

“We respect Brody’s decision to pursue his free agency rights and explore opportunities at Melbourne.”

Demons list manager Tim Lamb said the club was delighted to welcome the 32-year-old.

“We are really excited to add someone of Brody’s experience and character to our group,” Lamb said.

“He has proven himself as a consistent performer and his ability to compete in the air and hit the scoreboard will be a great asset for us.”

More to come