The GIANTS have facilitated a trade with Carlton that will bolster the club’s hand in this year’s Telstra AFL Draft, while seeing veteran defender Lachie Whitfield depart the club.
As part of the deal, the GIANTS will receive pick 25 and 26 in this year’s draft, alongside a future third round pick, and will part ways with the 32-year-old, as well as picks 31 and 50.
The move reflects the club’s list management strategy, providing additional draft capital and greater recruitment flexibility in the 2026 draft prior to Tasmania’s involvement in the 2027 draft.
The deal also provides Whitfield with the opportunity to return home to Victoria with his young family, ahead of his contract coming to an end at the conclusion of the 2027 season.
Whitfield joined the GIANTS in 2012 and has been a mainstay of the club’s list for more than a decade, playing 278 games in orange and charcoal and winning two club champions.
Over his 14 seasons at the GIANTS, Whitfield has been part of the club’s journey from its early years through to becoming an established force in the competition, making a significant contribution along the way.
GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football Jason McCartney thanked Whitfield for his contribution to the club and said the deal represented a positive outcome for all parties.
“When the opportunity presented itself, we took the time to work through what was in the best interests of both Lachie and our footy club in the long term,” McCartney said.
“We understand Lachie’s desire to return home to Victoria, and we were keen to work with him to facilitate that opportunity while also ensuring we made a decision that benefits our club moving forward.
"This trade provides us with valuable draft capital and greater flexibility as we continue to strengthen our list whilst also allowing Lachie to return home.
“We’re in a strong position as a club, and our focus remains on building a list capable of sustained success. This deal gives us further opportunities to invest in our future while continuing to build on the work already in place.
“Lachie has been a valued member of our club for 14 years, and we thank him for his commitment and contribution to the GIANTS, and we wish Lachie, Adelle and Jude all the best for the next chapter.”
