Over the course of the bye rounds, SEN will be breaking down top 10s in various categories so far in the 2018 season.
Today we take a look at the top 10 trades over the past two seasons. This includes the 2016 and 2017 trade periods.
When it comes to each trade, we take into account a number of factors, including value, the talent acquired and the impact they have had on their respective teams.
As there are only 10 spots available, there were some quality trades that missed the cut. These include the likes of Will Hoskin-Elliot to the Pies for a second round selection and Jarman Impey to the Hawks for pick 33.
Here are the top 10 trades from 2016 and 2017:
1: Tom Mitchell from Sydney to Hawthorn for pick 14
Mitchell struggled to break into the Swans’ star studded midfield that included the likes of Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and Dan Hannebery, but has been a revelation since moving to the Hawks. The hard-nosed midfielder has become by far the best ball-winning player in the competition, leading the league in disposals by a wide margin and being a vital cog in the Hawthorn engine room.
2: Gary Ablett and pick 24 to Geelong for pick 19 and a 2018 second round pick
Whenever you can acquire arguably the G.O.A.T for basically nothing, it’s a win. He may be past his prime and does have a long history with injuries, but Ablett’s influence on a team can’t be denied. If he can have an impact during September and help Geelong make a deep run in the finals, he’s done his job.
3: Bryce Gibbs to Adelaide for picks 10 and 16
The Crows finally got their man in the 2017 trade period after chasing hard in 2016 to acquire the talented midfielder. Gibbs is capable of racking up 30-plus touches and kicking multiple goals in any game and has been a valuable member of an injury riddled Adelaide side, playing every game so far this season.
4: Josh Caddy to Richmond for pick 24
Caddy joined Richmond in 2016 after an unsuccessful stint with Geelong. He played a big part in the Tigers fairy-tale premiership run and has taken his game to another level in 2018. He has become a goal scoring machine, sitting second on Richmond’s goal tally with 27 goals, one behind Jack Riewoldt and sits eighth in the Coleman Medal race.
5: Devon Smith and pick 24 to Essendon for pick 11
Smith has been an invaluable pickup for the Dons this season, without doubt sitting top three in their best and fairest count. He is small in stature but has a big impact on games through his goal kicking and creativity. GWS miss him a tonne.
6: Charlie Cameron to Brisbane for pick 12
Another one that Adelaide miss dearly. Charlie Cameron has been a great pickup for a young Lions side, playing in every game before a season ending injury in Round 11. While the Lions will miss his flare this season, they have a star for the future.
7: Lynden Dunn and pick 51 to Collingwood for pick 47
Dunn has been one of the more underrated draft ‘steals’ in recent years. The veteran defender has cemented his spot in the Pies' back six and has played an important role since joining the club. He stays healthy and quietly gets the job done week in week out.
8: Michael Hibberd and pick 59 to Melbourne for pick 29 and 68
Hibberd has found his best form since joining the Dees from Essendon in 2016. Hibberd was sixth in Melbourne’s best and fairest last season and has cemented his spot down back. The loss of Lever elevates Hibberd's importance for the remainder of this season.
9: Toby Nankervis to Richmond for pick 46
‘Nank’ was an absolute steal for the Tigers in 2016, playing a vital role in their premiership. They got him for peanuts and it is arguable that they wouldn't have won the flag without him. He has kicked on in 2018 with some huge games without much assistance in the ruck.
10: Jake Lever and pick 35 to Melbourne for pick 10 and a 2018 first round pick
They gave up a lot to get him but it was well worth it for one of the best intercept players in the competition. Melbourne get a key cog in defence for the next decade and although he will miss the remainder of this season, he will have a long successful career at the Dees.