Collingwood star Dale Thomas has left for an overseas surfing trip, knowing when he returns his new AFL home will be at bitter rivals Carlton.
The Blues filed their offer for the restricted free agent on Monday afternoon and Collingwood have three days to match it.
But that is a technicality.
While the AFL continues to investigate Sydney’s monster offer for fellow restricted free agent Lance Franklin, there is no doubt Thomas will join the Blues on a four-year deal worth about $2.8 million.
It means Thomas, 26, will reunite with old coach Mick Malthouse after 157 games, the 2010 premiership and 2011 All-Australian selection at Collingwood.
“Obviously I had a tough couple of years and, when this opportunity arose … I thought it was just the right time to move on,” Thomas told Fox Sports on Monday morning at Melbourne Airport.
“I’m very excited to get back with Mick obviously, but (they are) a team on the improve and hopefully I can play some good footy there.”
Magpies teammate Heath Shaw is also on the trade market, with Greater Western Sydney, Geelong, Melbourne and Carlton all interested in the half-back.
Thomas and Shaw did not attend Friday night’s Collingwood best and fairest function, effectively confirming they had played their last games at the club.
“It’s obviously really tough – I have some mates coming on this trip with me from the `Pies,” Thomas said.
“I’ve had a great time at Collingwood and I thank all the supporters – they’ve been fantastic.”
Thomas added coach Nathan Buckley had no hard feelings over his decision to leave and is confident he is putting his ankle injuries behind him.
The star onballer only managed five senior games this season.
“It’s been sweet for probably a month now,” he said.
“I’m back running, doing all the things I like. I can’t wait to get back into pre-season.”
Monday marked the start of the trade period and Essendon recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro described the opening round of official club talks as “a bit of a snorefest”.
But Richmond completed the first trade, securing Carlton ruckman Shaun Hampson for their second-round draft pick.
In other trade news:
* Melbourne could use their No.2 draft pick to trade for GWS midfielder Dylan Shiel.
* The Blues have confirmed interest in former Geelong star Paul Chapman.
* North Melbourne gave up their No.8 draft pick to secure father-son signing Luke McDonald and Brisbane have also secured academy player Jonathan Freeman with their No.59 draft selection.
* Essendon and the Western Bulldogs are negotiating over Bombers forward Stewart Crameri. The Bulldogs have made a big offer, but Essendon hope to keep him.
* Dodoro added David Myers and Travis Colyer are not for trade.
* Similarly, West Coast have said there will be no deals for Luke Shuey and Gold Coast have done the same with David Swallow.
* North Melbourne are waiting for St Kilda and Nick Dal Santo to decide whether the veteran is staying or potentially headed to the Kangaroos.
* Brisbane ruckman Billy Longer has confirmed Hawthorn is his preferred club.
* Several clubs are interested in Hawthorn midfielder Shane Savage.
