GWS pair Tim Taranto and Bobby Hill have officially been traded to Richmond and Collingwood on the first day of the AFL Trade Period.
Former pick two Taranto was traded to Punt Road on a reportedly lucrative deal worth $5.25 million across seven years.
MORE: All your AFL Trade news and player movements
The 2019 best-and-fairest has played 114 games since joining the club at the end of 2016 and has proven to be a strong performer in the midfield and up forward.
Although the Tigers are still keen on landing Taranto's teammate Jacob Hopper, the Victorian club will be excited they landed the 24-year-old, who is seen as a replacement for Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin once they retire.
After seeing the $5.25m contract on offer, GWS has reportedly set Richmond a hefty price tag for a Tim Taranto trade.
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) September 7, 2022
LATEST: https://t.co/9FUpG3AXeK pic.twitter.com/YNKs6lj0yH
GWS GM Jason McCartney expressed his gratitude for Taranto and all he's done in his time at the Giants.
“While we’d clearly prefer to keep all of our players, circumstances dictate otherwise and we're thrilled to secure a fantastic outcome for the Giants," McCartney said.
“I would like to thank Tim for his contribution to the Giants over the past six years. He’s been a committed and consistent player for our club but received a lucrative offer elsewhere that he simply couldn’t refuse.
“We wish Tim all the best for the future.”
Taranto's teammate Bobby Hill is also confirmed to have landed at Collingwood, with the small forward wanting to return to Victoria for the second year in a row.
The Pies received Hill and pick 40, whilst giving up pick 43 and a future second round pick.
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) October 3, 2022
The small forward spoke after recently joining his new club.
“The Giants gave me my first AFL opportunity and I’ll be forever grateful for that,” Hill said.
“I have a lot of friends and people at the Giants who have supported me through a very difficult period of my life, I thank the club for their overarching support and care they gave me and my family.
“Those who know me understand that Collingwood is the right place for me to take my career. There is a special dynamic with this group, and I am really looking forward to meeting the boys and being guided by Craig and his coaching side.”
Hill - who recently overcame testicular cancer - has played 41 games since his debut in 2019.
Despite losing Hill and Taranto, the Giants are hopeful of keeping both Tanner Bruhn and Jacob Hopper.
Bruhn has requested a trade to Geelong whilst Hopper is keen to join Taranto at Richmond.