Out of favour Lion Tom Berry has been traded down the highway to the Gold Coast. (Image: AFL; Design: Will Cuckson
Tom Berry is on the move across town after being traded to Gold Coast on Wednesday evening. Brisbane sent Berry, pick 46 and a future second-round selection to the Suns in exchange for picks 25, 36 and 56.
It was one of two deals made by the Suns late on Wednesday, also acquiring swingman Ben Long and a future fourth-round pick from St Kilda, giving up pick 32 this year.
Brother of Lions’ star midfielder Jarrod, Tom never quite solidified his spot in the senior side, only playing 20 games in his four seasons at the club. Brisbane saw the opportunity to cash in for picks in this year’s draft to secure Will Ashcroft and Jaspa Fletcher.
The impending departure of Izak Rankine seems to have opened the door for Berry’s move. He is set to become just the fifth player to leave Brisbane for the Gold Coast behind Jared Brennan, Pearce Hanley, Andrew Raines and Michael Rischitelli.
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Where will Gold Coast play Tom Berry?
Gold Coast’s list manager Craig Cameron confirmed on Trade Radio on Monday that the club had an interest in Berry as a small forward.
He continued further in the Suns’ media release announcing the acquisition of the former Lion.
“Our strategy this trade period was to be targeted in our approach of bringing in players who will make our team better and Tom fits that bill,” He said.
“Tom is an ultra-competitive player, has good speed and he loves to tackle so he’s got all the attributes of a pressure forward.”
Coping with the loss of Izak Rankine
Rankine was the spark in the Suns’ forward line this year, where he averaged one goal assist and 6.2 score involvements per game to go along with his 29 goals for the year. However, his pressure was never quite up to scratch – he sits as the seventh-ranked Sun for tackles per game with 2.2.
Tom Berry averaged 22.5 disposals and five tackles over 11 games in Brisbane’s VFL side this season, providing much-needed run and pressure over the half-back line. Gold Coast will be hoping he can provide the pressure that was sorely missing in its 2022 forward line.
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