Melbourne traded Mitch Henan to the Western Bulldogs in exchange for a future third-round pick.
Henan requested to move to the Bulldogs last month and signed a two-year deal on Tuesday morning after his request was granted.
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The 26-year-old Bulldogs played in the 2016 VFL Premiership and was sent to the Demons as an older player, scoring 55 goals in 50 senior games.
Hungry for opportunities this season, he scored seven goals in nine games for the struggling Demons.
“We see him able to combine our forward mix with his speed, handling pressure and ability to influence the scoreboard,” said Sam Power, general manager of Bulldog List.
“He was drafted from our VFL program in 2016 and in the last four seasons he has made a dangerous advance at the AFL level.
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“Mitch is a versatile player who can contribute to a variety of roles.”
Henan has a current relationship with forward line coach Ash Hanson, who led the Bulldogs’ VFL team to the 2016 flag.
He made an immediate impact in his first two seasons at the Demons, scoring 44 goals in 35 games before knee and hamstring issues ruined his 2019 campaign.
Demons described the business as mutually beneficial, with Hainan looking out of the contract and looking for more opportunities.
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“This is a great opportunity for Mitch and we are delighted to be able to facilitate a business that has been profitable for us and for him,” said Josh Mahoney, general manager of Football Demons.
“He has been an important part of our program for four years and we wish him well in the Western Bulldogs.”
The Demons traded three of their options in next year’s NAB AFL Draft, adding to the importance of the acquired pick for Hannan.
