Disgruntled Lion Mitch Clark has signed a four-year deal with Melbourne in one of Trade Week's biggest shocks.
Despite the Dockers bizarrely sending out a media release on Friday afternoon that quoted Clark, who spoke of his desire to head to Fremantle, the 23-year-old Lion has signed with the Demons on Saturday, with Melbourne trading him for selection No.12 in the National Draft.
Clark had been the centre of some intense trade week negotiations between the Dockers and Lions, with both clubs almost trading blows via twitter and media releases.
However Melbourne emerged as a late player in the deal and has ultimately snuck up on Fremantle to claim their man.
"Agreement has been reached tonight to trade Brisbane player Mitch Clarke to @melbournefc for selection 12 in the 2011 National Draft," said Melboune on Twitter late on Saturday evening.
"Clark has agreed to terms on a four year contract with the club. More details to follow in the morning."
Missing out on Clark is a massive blow to new Fremantle coach Ross Lyon, who will now have to go back to the drawing board as the club look to secure the key forward target they have desired since the closing rounds of the season.
Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said increasing their offer to Clarke was unfeasible.
"If we were to match Melbourne’s offer to Mitch it would make him the highest paid player at our club over the next four seasons and we are not prepared to compromise our list management model to achieve that outcome," Bond said in a statement on the Fremantle website.
"It's disappointing that Mitch has decided not to follow through on his commitment to sign with Fremantle. We accept his decision and wish him all the best for the future. The club looks forward to entering the national draft with two first round selections in picks 16 and 20."
Although the deal has been officially done, the paperwork for the trade will still have to be submitted on Monday.
In other trade news, the Sydney Swans have secured half-back Tony Armstrong from Adelaide, along with selection 35 and a late pick in the national draft, for 20-year-old Swan Lewis Johnston.
And, in non-trade related news, the Brisbane Lions have disciplined Sam Sheldon and Irishman Pearce Hanley after the pair were charged by Queensland police for causing a public nuisance in the early hours of Saturday morning.