Crows forward Shane McAdam traded to Demons

Oliver Caffrey | October 17, 2023

Melbourne have secured Adelaide forward Shane McAdam without having to give up valuable swingman Harrison Petty.

McAdam became a Demons player on Tuesday after Melbourne traded on a future second-round draft pick to the Crows.

The 28-year-old kicked 72 goals in 50 games for Adelaide after debuting in 2020, but was restricted to just seven appearances this year.

Adelaide had been desperate to lure the contracted Petty from the Demons after McAdam requested a trade to Melbourne.

But the Demons refused to include Petty, who is contracted until the end of 2025, in any deal.

The 23-year-old featured in Melbourne’s drought-breaking 2021 premiership as a defender but is now seen as a solution to the Demons’ issues in attack, where he will play alongside emerging key forward Jacob van Rooyen.

Melbourne’s issues in attack were badly exposed in this year’s finals as they bowed out in straight-sets for a second successive season.

The Demons were “thrilled” to trade in the dynamic McAdam, who will combine in a front half with pacy small forward Kysaiah Pickett.

“We know the sort of exciting, fast-paced football Shane can produce, and his skillset is one that will complement our existing group,” Melbourne list boss Tim Lamb said.

“We feel his best football is still ahead of him, and we look forward to seeing what he can bring to the red and blue.” 

McAdam’s trade comes after Fremantle forward Lachie Schultz (Collingwood) and Dockers teammate Liam Henry (St Kilda) landed at their desired new clubs on Monday.

Up to 15 more players could still swap teams before the end of the trade period on Wednesday night.