World Footy News

It has been no secret since the season finished that Pearce Hanley would likely leave the Brisbane Lions and early on the Gold Coast Suns were the likely new home for the Irishman. 

After 129 games for the Brisbane Lions he has become the best Irish player in the competition famous for his hard running off the hard back line.  But this season something appeared wrong.  And as the Lions continued to struggle at the bottom of the ladder Hanley appeared disinterested.

It is not known publicly for sure where the problem lay, be it with coach Leppitsch (who has now departed the club) or with particular team-mates. At any rate it is hoped a new start at the Gold Coast will see him return to the form of the previous few seasons.

 

The trade deal between the Brisbane Lions, the Gold Coast SUNS and Port Adelaide sees Pearce Hanley and draft pick no.19 exchanged for a future first-round draft pick and this year’s pick no. 22.

It is not yet known where this leaves his brother Cian who is an International Rookie with the Lions and has yet to play an AFL match due to a bad run of injuries.

Countryman Zach Tuohy has also been looking for a move from Carlton to Geelong but at this stage that deal is yet to be resolved.

The media statement from the Gold Coast Suns follows:

The Gold Coast SUNS are thrilled to announce Pearce Hanley will join the club after a three-way trade was agreed to with the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide.

 

In summary, the trade will see Hanley and selection 67 in the upcoming NAB AFL Draft head to the SUNS in exchange for selections 22 & 30.

 

The acquisition of Hanley, 27, is a major coup for the SUNS – with the club having expressed an intent to target and acquire elite mature-aged talent through the exchange period.

 

The popular Irishman, who has represented his country in International Rules, is one of the competition’s best ball users, has an ability to break lines and can damage opposition sides with his run.

 

Hanley has notched up 129 senior appearances over his nine seasons in the AFL, and featured in the top 5 of Brisbane’s best & fairest award in four of the past five Merrett-Murray medal counts.

 

General Manager – Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft confirmed the trade.

 

“We are rapt an elite player of Pearce’s calibre has expressed a desire to join the Gold Coast SUNS,” Ashcroft said.

 

“Our priority during the exchange period has been to add mature-aged talent that could make an immediate impact at our football club, and Pearce certainly fits that criteria.

 

“With our players’ just weeks away from transitioning into their new $22 million training & administration facility, we are entering an exciting period at the Gold Coast SUNS.”

 

The three-way trade in full will see:

 

· The Gold Coast SUNS snare Hanley and receive selection 67 from Port Adelaide

· The Brisbane Lions gain the SUNS’ second round selection (pick 22) and also secure Port Adelaide’s future first round selection in 2017

· The Power acquire the Lions’ first round priority selection (19) and the SUNS’ 30th overall selection

 

The GC SUNS currently hold selections 4, 8, 24, 26, 44, 62, 67 in next month’s NAB AFL Draft.