FREMANTLE's Greg Broughton has joined Gold Coast after seeking a trade in a bid to return to his familiar sweeping role in defence.
Freo received NAB AFL Draft pick No. 37 in the deal during Gillette AFL Trade Period - one of the picks the Suns got from St Kilda in the Tom Hickey trade - with the Suns also receiving pick No. 60 back from Freo.
Then Suns confirmed the trade via their official Twitter account on Thursday morning after Fremantle list manager Brad Lloyd had earlier told AFL.com.au a deal sending the 68-game defender to the Suns was imminent.
AFL.com.au reported on Monday that Broughton's future at Fremantle was in doubt, with Port Adelaide and St Kilda among his suitors.
Broughton, 26, was contracted for next season with Freo.
Broughton played the first 15 games this year after Ross Lyon took over as Fremantle coach before he injured his right ring finger and required season-ending surgery.
But his form suffered midway through the season when he was moved into an unfamiliar role on Freo's forward line.
In 2011, he finished third in the club's best and fairest, with former coach Mark Harvey playing him in defence with occasional stints in the midfield.
Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said Broughton's experience would be a welcome addition to the Suns' young list.
"We have been active in our pursuit to further strengthen our list, Greg now joins Tom Murphy in adding valuable experience," Ashcroft said.
Lloyd said Broughton had been a fine player for Fremantle in his four seasons at the club.
"We thank him for all his efforts at the club during his time here and wish him all the best for the future," Lloyd said.
Freo recruited Broughton with pick No. 73 in the 2009 NAB AFL Rookie Draft after he'd played in Subiaco's 2006-08 premiership teams and won the Lions' 2008 best and fairest.
Since making his debut for Freo in round three, 2009, Broughton has played 68 games.
Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick
