The Brisbane Lions have added to their bigman stocks by completing a trade with Geelong for ruckman Darcy Fort.
The 28-year-old arrives at the Lions after eight senior games over three years with Geelong who recruited him as a mature age player in the 2018 draft.
The Cats received Pick 50 and a future third round selection whilst sending Fort and pick 41 back to the Brisbane Lions.
Fort was drafted to Geelong as a ruckman but has developed into a ruck-forward who can hit the scoreboard.
He kicked three goals in his AFL debut in round nine, 2019 and has been a regular goalkicker in the VFL.
Lions list manager Dom Ambrogio said the Lions recruiting team had watched Fort’s career closely from his days in the Geelong U18’s, VFL and SANFL before being drafted to Geelong and was convinced he would make a terrific addition to the Lions list.
He already has close ties to Queensland with his father based in Brisbane and partner also from the Sunshine State.
“Darcy has been one of the more dominant ruckmen in the VFL,’’ he said.
“He has been unlucky with his timing in terms of getting senior opportunities, but when he has played at AFL level he’s been very effective, including his performance against the Brisbane Lions in 2020.
“We think he is a legitimate ruckman, but we are also confident he can help us out up forward and add flexibility to our squad.
“He’s a strong mark and has shown he can go forward and kick a goal
“So, we think we’re getting a good player but also a player of great character who will make a contribution to the Culture of our footy Club.’’
