MAYO NATIVE PEARCE Hanley has completed his AFL trade to Queensland rivals Gold Coast Suns, ending his eight-year spell at the Brisbane Lions.
Hanley, 27, has consistently been one of the best players for the struggling Lions in recent seasons, playing 129 first-grade games for the club.
Former DCU student Hanley joined the Lions as a rookie pick in 2008 before being upgraded to the senior list the following year.
The Ballaghaderreen man, whose brother Cian is still on the books at the Lions, moves 80km south down the Queensland coast to the Metricon Stadium.
Hanley’s deal is part of a three-way trade that also involves Port Adelaide, and sees the halfback/midfielder switch clubs and the three franchises swap draft picks.
“Our priority during the exchange period has been to add mature-aged talent that could make an immediate impact at our football club, and Pearce certainly fits that criteria,” Gold Coast football boss Marcus Ashcroft said.
Brisbane finished 17th of the 18 teams in the AFL ladder last season, while the Suns ended the campaign in 15th.
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