Collingwood's Chris Dawes will play in a Melbourne jumper next season after the Magpies agreed to trade the premiership forward for a handful of draft picks.
The Demons will send picks 20, 45 and 58 to Gosch's Paddock in exchange for the 24-year-old, who has 71 games including the 2010 grand final under his belt.
Dawes will be reunited with Melbourne coach Mark Neeld, who was serving as an assistant under Mick Malthouse during the Magpies' 2010 campaign.
The tall forward, listed at 193cm and 105kg, played 23 games and kicked 16 goals last season for Collingwood, his last appearance coming in the preliminary final against eventual premier Sydney.
"Chris can be proud of his contribution to Collingwood," director of football Geoff Walsh said in a statement.
"He played some good football for the club, where he has been a popular figure, and shared in the 2010 premiership.
"In his time with us, Chris always gave what he had and for that we thank him. We wish him well."
The deal is expected to be confirmed by the AFL on Wednesday.
It is the third move the Magpies have made during the free agency/trade period, after picking up former West Coast forward Quinten Lynch and sending midfielder Sharrod Wellingham west to the Eagles in a separate deal.
If the in-principle agreement involving Dawes is given the green light, Collingwood will hold picks 17, 18 and 20 in the first round of next month's national draft.
The club has not had such a strong seat in the first round since defenders Ben Reid and Nathan Brown were taken at eight and 10 respectively in 2006.
Tags: australian-football-league, sport, collingwood-3066, vic, australia First posted October 16, 2012 20:33:04
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