Melbourne have secured Ben Brown without using a first-round draft pick after North Melbourne sought to offload the unwanted forward.
The Dees have effectively given up just one second-round draft pick to secure the out-of-contract 27-year-old.
He joins Melbourne alongside pick No.28 and the Kangaroos’ 2021 fourth-round selection, while North gain picks No.26, No.33 and Brisbane’s 2021 fourth-round pick.
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Brown was initially in negotiations to re-sign with North but rejected a contract in search of more money and greater security.
But despite kicking 287 goals in 130 games for the club, the Kangaroos moved on when a knee injury hobbled him and required surgery.
He will now spearhead Melbourne’s forward line, working in tandem with young teammate Sam Weideman.
“We are excited to have Ben join us,” Dees football boss Josh Mahoney said.
“He is a proven goal kicker and we think he is the perfect type of player to work alongside our other forwards with his height, football smarts and experience.
“We were impressed during this process by Ben’s determination to succeed and also his excitement about joining Melbourne and being part of our club.”
Deals go down on deadline day
Jack Higgins has moved from Richmond to St Kilda, with the clubs swapping first-round picks in this year’s draft.
The Tigers have also sent a 2021 fourth-round pick to the Saints while receiving a 2021 second-round pick in return.
Brisbane’s Alex Witherden has shifted to West Coast, who will continue to pay some of his wages.
He joins the Eagles with pick No.86, while the Lions will receive pick No.58 and a future third-round pick.
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