CARLTON’S Shaun Hampson has been traded to the Richmond Football Club in a move that will give the athletic ruckman an opportunity to get his his playing career back on track.
The Tigers have acquired Hampson from the Blues in exchange for their second round selection in the 2013 National Draft, currently the 28th overall pick.
Also on Football Nation: 2013 AFL Trade Tracker
“We identified Shaun Hampson as a player who will complement our existing ruck/key forward structure,” said Richmond’s list manager Blair Hartley.
“At 25 years of age we feel that Shaun’s best football is ahead of him. Players over 200cm with Shaun’s athletic qualities are hard to find.
“Over the past few years we have focused on recruiting players of great character and Shaun also fits this mould.”
Hampson, 25, played just six AFL matches this season with his year cut short by a knee injury while playing for the Northern Blues (VFL) in July. But even before the injury Hampson had slipped down the depth chart of the Blues behind both Matthew Kreuzer and Robbie Warnock.
Drafted by Carlton in the priority round of the 2006 AFL Draft by the Blues as the 17th overall pick, Hampson played in 63 games for the club.
“Shaun has been a much-liked and valued member of our team, who has a terrific work ethic,” said Carlton’s GM – Football Operations Andrew McKay .
“Although he hasn’t played in many senior games this season, he has continued to make a significant contribution to the Club behind the scenes.
“However, in the interests of both parties, there is a greater opportunity for Shaun at Richmond and it allows us another pick in the draft.
“We thank Shaun for his contribution to Carlton and wish him all the very best for the future.”
With Hampson expected to make a full recovery from his torn posterior cruciate ligament injury and at just 25 years of age the opportunity is there for him to take at Richmond. He is expected to get more playing time for the Tigers than he was able to manage at the Blues and will provide the club with an option behind Ivan Maric.
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