Out-of-contract GWS young gun picks new club and officially requests trade

Out-of-contract midfielder James Peatling has requested to be traded to the Adelaide Crows, GWS confirmed on Thursday.

AFL Media journalist Riley Beveridge first reported the 24-year-old had told the Giants of his wish to become an Adelaide player.

Peatling was understood to have significant interest from a host of rival clubs, including the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood, as well as GWS’ intention to retain him long-term, but he has settled on the Crows.

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“Giants midfielder James Peatling has informed the club he wishes to be traded to the Adelaide Crows,” GWS’ statement read.

Nine’s Tom Morris reported Peatling will pen a four-year deal with the Crows, provided both parties can come to a trade agreement — Peatling is a non-free agent.

The Crows currently hold Picks 4, 25, 42 and 60 in this year’s national draft.

Peatling made an unassuming start to the 2024 campaign before imposing himself on GWS coach Adam Kingsley’s side as the season progressed, playing the last 10 games of the year between Round 17 and their semi-final loss to Brisbane.

Peatling recently told SEN that extension negotiations with GWS were “trending in the right direction”, and while the Giants reportedly upped their contract offer to four years to match rivals, the improved onballer is set to defect this off-season.

The 2021 mid-season draftee had a breakout campaign, finishing with averages of 13.8 disposals, 5.1 tackles, 3.4 clearances (all career-highs), showcasing an attractive blend of class and physicality at the contest.

Peatling will join teammate Isaac Cumming at Adelaide, while Harry Perryman is departing for Collingwood and Wade Derksen has requested to be traded to Melbourne.

The Crows, in addition to Cumming and Peatling, will add Melbourne forward Alex Neal-Bullen via trade.