GOLD Coast midfielder Lachie Weller has opened up about the difficulties of being part of that trade in 2017.
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After 47 games over three seasons for Fremantle, Weller headed to the Suns in exchange for pick No.2, which turned into emerging Dockers midfielder Andrew Brayshaw.
The deal was largely panned at the time, with the over-arching sentiment Gold Coast paid far too high a price.
Now, on the eve of his 100th career game, Weller says the commentary got to him.
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On the surface, the bronzed 24-year-old is seemingly unfazed by anything, but that wasn't the case.
"I might look like that, but it definitely did (affect me)," Weller said on Friday.
"I was only 22 or 21, I was young and never really had that external pressure.
"It's pretty hard to take as a young kid. It was something I had to deal with and I had really good people around me to guide me through it.
"I basically separated myself from the media in the end and focused on what I do best and what I could control."
Almost three years down the line, the deal is looking a little more even, with Weller emerging as one of Gold Coast's most pivotal players, his speed and penetrating right boot bringing an element its midfield previously lacked.
Stuart Dew, who was announced as the Suns' new head coach just prior to the trade, said Weller's willingness to head east played a big role at the battling club.
"I think we've won, and they've won," Dew said of the trade.
"Two really good players. We don't get caught up in that. He's added to our footy club so much.
"We don't have to look backwards. We love what he's bringing now and will love what he brings for five to six years.
"We think we'd do it all again in a heartbeat."
Gold Coast has won just one and drawn one of its past nine matches ahead of Sunday's contest against North Melbourne at Metricon Stadium.
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The Suns will be without veteran defender Jarrod Harbrow who "tweaked" his shoulder in the last-start loss to Carlton.
"This is a game we want to win, expect to win," Dew said.
"It's likely our last game for the year at Metricon as well … we think it's important we can get over the top and get the four points."
