AFL trades 2022: Josh Corbett lands at Fremantle Dockers in Gold Coast Suns trade

Fremantle have landed their first trade target of the off-season, signing Gold Coast forward Josh Corbett on a two-year deal.

As reported first by The West Australian on Tuesday, the Dockers beat out Essendon and Melbourne for his services after Corbett toured the club’s Cockburn base earlier this month.

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According to list manager David Walls, Fremantle will look to utilise the 190cm key forward in a similar role to Griffin Logue this season, after the highly-rated swingman departed for North Melbourne.

“We’re very pleased to bring in a player like Josh, he was a significant contributor to the Suns in 2021, and while he didn’t play much at AFL level this year, he continued to perform well in the VFL,” Walls said.

“From our meetings with him, it’s clear he’s coming to Fremantle with the desire to work hard and earn his place in the team, and we can see him being a great cultural fit within our group of players who are eager to get the best out of themselves and each other.

“We can see him filling the role left by Griffin Logue, as a hit-up forward who will create a contest and bring his fellow forwards into the game.

“It’s a busy time for Josh as he will be getting married to his partner Mikayla next month, and we welcome them both to the Fremantle family.”

The Dockers parted with their future fourth round selection (which they received in the North deal) in exchange for Corbett, who played just 36 games since joining the Suns in 2018. He only managed four this season.

It is understood Gold Coast are eager to bank late picks in next year’s draft, with some academy products on the horizon for 2023.

WA wingman Jeremy Sharp was involved in trade discussions with the Suns, but did not form part of the deal, with the club eager to retain the East Fremantle product.

Corbett becomes the fourth Gold Coast product to make the switch to Fremantle in the past seven years, following the successful move of Will Brodie last year and previous shifts from Harley Bennell and Brandon Matera.

Suns player manager Craig Cameron said the club was happy to deal Corbett to give him a chance for more chances at the top level.

“Josh has been a valued player for us over the last four years and we’d like to thank him for his contribution to our club,” Cameron said.

“He wasn’t able to break into the team at AFL level consistently last season and was looking for greater opportunity, so we were happy to facilitate a trade that worked in the best interests of both parties.”