Lions List Manager Peter Schwab has responded to criticism regarding the Club’s decision to agree to a trade that has sent James Aish to Collingwood.
Aish requested a trade to the Magpies in early October and the Lions had held firm, refusing to trade the midfielder and warned he may be let through to the pre-season draft.
This afternoon a deal was struck by the Lions to secure North Melbourne’s Ryan Bastinac and also involved the Club receiving Picks No.38 and 40 in this year’s NAB National Draft, as well as a future 2nd Round pick (from St Kilda to Collingwood) and a future 3rd Round pick (from North Melbourne).
In return, the Club sent this year’s Pick No.17 and 26 (from Collingwood) to North Melbourne and James Aish to Collingwood.
Schwab told reporters following the deal:
“For us it was to get the best outcome for our Football Club, every club does that.
“We were at least clear that we had to get a player to come through to us in whatever deal we did and we think Ryan is an ideal player to replace the loss of James.”
Schwab said the deal for Bastinac ensured the Club covered the loss of Aish, as well as acquiring enough Draft points this year and next to secure quality Queensland talent coming out of the Hyundai Help For Kids Lions Academy.
“It was a pretty long process… so I’m really delighted that the deal’s gone through and Ryan’s landed at the Brisbane Lions.”
“He’s older, more credentialed and plays in a similar spot.
“We’re really confident Ryan is a strong, long term player for us.”
