On the first day of the 2018 NAB AFL Trade Period, the Brisbane Lions have been successful in acquiring the services of Geelong forward Lincoln McCarthy.

The 24-year-old comes to the Lions on a three-year deal after a trade this morning with Geelong.

The Lions will supply the Cats with their third (42) and fourth (60) round picks at the upcoming 2018 AFL Draft.

In return, the Lions will receive McCarthy, Richmond’s third-round pick (54) and Carlton’s fourth-round pick (57), which the Cats already owned.

General Manager of Football David Noble said the Lions were pleased to have gained a new player so early in the trade period.

“The Club has had a strong focus on bringing quality players and people in the age range of 23-26 years of age. Lincoln McCarthy fits that brief and has certainly been a player of interest for us over the past 12 months,” Noble said.

“Lincoln brings a range of skills we can use both through the midfield and as a pressure forward.

“His ability to mark the ball for his size also provides the versatility we are looking for, with our players being able to move through various positions.

“We are very pleased that Linc and his partner Tayla have selected our Club as the place they wish to continue their journey together.

“We are excited about continuing to grow our list for the coming years.”

McCarthy spent seven years at Geelong after being recruited by them with their 66th pick at the 2011 NAB AFL Draft. During his time at the Cats he has only played 29 AFL games, due to injury.

McCarthy said he is excited by the move north to Queensland.

“We have been working on this trade for some time so it’s great it is now official,” he said.

“I’m excited to meet the playing group and coaching staff and getting to work.

“The new environment is a fresh start for me and I’m looking forward to having a crack.”

In 2018 McCarthy played two AFL games and kicked two goals. He also played six VFL games for the Cats.

McCarthy thanked Geelong staff and fans for their support .

“I’m grateful for the past seven years at the Cats and the people I met along the way. They shaped me into the man I am today."

McCarthy will join his new Lions teammates for pre-season in November.