Sydney Swans recruiting and list strategist Kinnear Beatson says Tom McCartin’s emergence as a key defender made the decision to trade Aliir Aliir a little easier.
Speaking on SEN Mornings on Wednesday, Beatson said the Swans needed to give up something in order to bring in something, which in this instance was ruck cover for the injured Sam Naismith.
“A factor that had a fair bit to do with that was how good young Tommy McCartin looked when he went back,” Beatson said.
“In the back half of the year he looked like a natural defender and to get Lance (Franklin) back next year, we’ll be able to have those two settle back into their positions.
“Sometimes to get something in, and we desperately needed another ruck option given the injury to Sammy Naismith, you’ve got to give something up to get something.
“That deal with Port was a deal that was going to enable us to get Tom Hickey in, which was a priority for us."
Beatson also explained how issues with the salary cap and Total Player Payments (TPP) can often be a driving force in clubs decisions to trade players.
“It’s sometimes difficult for our members and supporters to understand that,” Beatson said.
Port Adelaide handed Sydney a 2021 second-round pick for Aliir which the Swans then sent to West Coast as part of the deal that brought ruckman Hickey to the club.