GEELONG defender Esava Ratugolea has joined Port Adelaide after the two teams agreed to a deal.
Ratugolea, who missed out on a transfer to the Power last year, has joined Port on the final day of the 2023 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period in return for choices 25, 76, and 94.
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The move strengthens Port’s defense after Ken Hinkley’s team was ousted in straight sets from this year’s finals series.
Ratugolea was shifted into defence by Chris Scott this year after first being attempted as a mobile key forward and second ruck option for the Cats.
However, a mid-season injury cost him his spot and form.
Ratugolea was selected by Geelong with pick No.43 in the 2016 NAB AFL National Draft and made his debut in round one of 2018.
He appeared in 47 games from 2019 to 2021 but fell out of favor in 2022, appearing in just four senior games and missing out on a spot on the premiership team.
In this year’s AFL Draft, the Cats now have picks 8, 25, 76, 87, and 94.
“While we are disappointed to lose Esava, we recognize he was out of contract and asked for a trade to Port Adelaide.” “We have now strengthened our 2023 draft hand and remain open to possibilities as the Draft approaches,” Geelong football manager Andrew Mackie said.
Ratugolea will reconnect with former Geelong colleagues Quinton Narkle and Francis Evans at Alberton.
“Esava’s size and skill set will help us improve our defensive group and overall team defense,” Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps said.
“Esava is an outstanding young man and is also the right age for our list profile.”
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