Rivers set to join Cats

Melbourne defender Jared Rivers is bound for Geelong. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG has recruited Jared Rivers and Hamish McIntosh in a one-two trade punch.

The out-of-contract Melbourne defender and the Cats today struck a deal that will see Rivers move down the highway in 2013.

The Cats have also confirmed they have signed Kangaroos big man McIntosh on a three-year deal.

Rivers' management and Geelong are meeting now to formalise a two-year contract, ending an anxious fortnight for the 27-year-old.

Rivers was an unrestricted free agent and was allowed to move to the club of his choice.

That club has long been Geelong, who made it clear they wanted a ready replacement for recently retired full-back Matthew Scarlett.

The Cats' recruitment of Gold Coast youngster Josh Caddy and their ongoing pursuit of North Melbourne ruckman Hamish McIntosh had delayed the Rivers deal.

The league-wide uncertainty over compensation picks also muddied the waters.

Every deal at Department of Trades

The Demons will receive AFL compensation tomorrow for losing free agents Rivers and Brent Moloney, although the compo will be off-set by their acquisition of former Cat Shannon Byrnes.

McIntosh is contracted to North and the clubs will have to work out a trade deal.

Rivers is a good friend of Geelong defender Andrew Mackie - a former schoolmate in South Australia - and knows several players at Simonds Stadium.

Port Adelaide also expressed an interest in Rivers after losing Troy Chaplin to Richmond.

2012 Trade and Free Agency period

MELBOURNE

IN: Chris Dawes (Collingwood), Shannon Byrnes (Geelong), Jack Viney (father-son pick), Jesse Hogan (via 17yo mini-draft), Dom Barry
OUT: Jared Rivers (Geelong), Brent Moloney (Brisbane)
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Scott Gumbleton, Cam Pederson
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Jordan Gysberts, Cale Morton
DRAFT PICKS: 4, 58, 64, 82, 100, 118

GEELONG

IN: Josh Caddy (Gold Coast), Jared Rivers (Melbourne)
OUT: Shannon Byrnes (Melbourne)
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Hamish McIntosh
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Mitch Brown, Tom Gillies
DRAFT PICKS: 15, 36, 55, 73, 91, 109

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