The Sydney Swans are excited to have secured promising Irishman Tommy Walsh in a trade with St Kilda.
The deal, which was finalised in the last 15 minutes of the trade period, will see Walsh join the Swans in exchange for national draft selections 35 and 68.
Both those picks were gained from the Adelaide Crows as part of the deal that also brought Tony Armstrong to Sydney in return for Lewis Johnston.
Swans coach John Longmire said Walsh, 23, is a promising youngster and the Club is pleased he’s coming to Sydney.
“Tommy hasn’t played a senior game yet but we think he’s a fantastic key position prospect. He’s aggressive and he’s 194cms and 97 kilograms,’’ Longmire said.
“He competes really well and he can play at either end of the ground.’’
Longmire said overall the trade period had been very positive for the Swans.
The Club has gained Walsh from St Kilda, Mitch Morton, 24, from Richmond, and 22-year-old Tony Armstrong from the Adelaide Crows, and retains two selections in the upcoming national draft - picks 43 and 61.
“It’s been a positive week and we’ve increased our depth in areas where we needed it,’’ Longmire said.
“From the week we’ve got Tom Mitchell under the father-son rule and he’s a top line young midfielder, we got Walsh who’s got a lot of potential as a key position player, Armstrong who is a good ball user, and Mitch Morton who is a proven goal kicker,’’ Longmire said.
“And we’ve kept picks 43 and 61, so it’s been a good few days.’’
The Swans will use their first round draft pick, number 21, to officially gain Mitchell in the draft in November.
The addition of Walsh will maintain the Swans’ strong Irish connection following the retirement of Tadhg Kennelly.
Both Kennelly and Walsh are from County Kerry and played together in County Kerry’s All-Ireland champion team in 2009.
Longmire thanked the Swans Manager, Player Personnel, Kinnear Beatson, for his efforts during the trade period.
“Kinn has done a good job. We won’t know exactly how the trades work out until further down the track of course, but we’re really pleased with the players who will be joining us.’’
