West Coast lands Rivers and Viney as AFL trade period closes
Lifelong Eagles supporter Trent Rivers said he shed happy tears after his move from Melbourne was confirmed.
West Coast completed deals for Melbourne players Trent Rivers and Jack Viney just before the AFL trade deadline, while Geelong added Jordan Ridley despite concerns over his injury history.
Rivers said he was watching the deadline countdown with his partner when confirmation of the move arrived. He said both he and Viney were excited about joining the Eagles, and described crying with happiness once the trade was finalised.
A West Coast supporter since childhood, Rivers named Mark LeCras and Josh Kennedy among his favourite players. He attended the 2018 grand final after taking part in a futures game and later won a premiership with Melbourne in 2021.
Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie acknowledged the gamble involved in recruiting Essendon defender Ridley, who played seven games this season. Mackie said the club hoped a different environment would help the 27-year-old. Geelong also recruited Toby Greene from GWS through free agency and traded pick No.14 for Rowan Marshall from St Kilda.
Meanwhile, St Kilda football boss Lenny Hayes identified Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Max Hall as priorities for new contracts. He declined to set a deadline for negotiations but said he was confident both players believed in the club’s direction.
