George Hewett will officially join Carlton after the Swans elected not to match the Blues’ offer on Saturday afternoon.
Carlton filed paperwork on Friday evening to make an offer to Hewett, 25, as a restricted free agent, giving the Swans three days to decide whether or not to match the offer.
The Sydney Swans have elected to not match the offer and George Hewett is now able to join Carlton immediately. The Sydney Swans are to receive an end of Round Two compensation selection.
— AFL House (@AFL_House) October 2, 2021
If Sydney had matched the offer, the clubs would have been forced to work out a trade, however, their decision not to means Hewett will be free to walk to his new home.
The Blues targeted Hewett to bolster their defensive midfield stocks, having been criticised during the year for lacking in that department.
In return for not matching the deal, Sydney will be awarded an end of second-round compensation selection in the AFL draft.
Hewett is the third move after the free-agency period officially opened on Friday morning, joining Mabior Chol to the Suns and Jake Kelly to Essendon as the other done deals.
The 25-year-old averaged 18 disposals and two clearances a game for the Swans in 2021, often playing a tagging role negating the opposition’s best midfielder.
More in AFL
“This time next year…”: Cornes’ bold pick for his next AFL head coach in waiting
“I think he is the most ready head coach in waiting.”
“Hats off to that”: The promising numbers for the Bombers
Champion Data's Daniel Hoyne is giving Essendon some credit after two wins in a row.
Healy: Demetriou could be the right fit for struggling Demons
“They need to get themselves a CEO. Go and knock on Demetriou’s door!"