North Melbourne have pulled off a stunning AFL heist, swooping to secure recently-delisted Gold Coast midfielder Hugh Greenwood.
In one of the more bizarre and dramatic moves in recent AFL history, the Kangaroos have capitalised on Gold Coast's tricky list predicament.
Greenwood, 29, was cut by the Suns last week but was expected to be put straight back on the club's list during the draft period.
Instead North Melbourne saw an opportunity and offered Greenwood a better deal.
"We sat down and had an open conversation about the offer and what was best for both Hugh, his family and the Gold Coast Suns," Suns strategy manager Craig Cameron said
"As a group, the decision was made to support Hugh in his wish to join North Melbourne and extend his AFL playing career."
It comes after Greenwood took to social media last week to pledge his commitment to Gold Coast.
"Still on the primary list. Still on the same contract," Greenwood tweeted.
"Still at the Suns. Still see everyone round one.
"Was happy to cop the odd clickbait article & social nuff if it meant assisting the club's overall list strategy."
Greenwood injured his knee in July and missed the Suns' last six games of the 2021 season.
"The Suns have been transparent with me and my manager throughout this whole process and I was fully committed to doing everything I could to ensure the club continued to take steps in its journey towards success," Greenwood said on Monday.
"It's been a whirlwind past 48 hours, however the opportunity to extend my career and set my young family up with North Melbourne was one too good to turn down.
"I'd like to thank the Gold Coast Suns and members for all the support they have provided me and my family over the past two years.
"I strongly believe the football club is now in a far better position than when I first arrived and I wish everyone here all the best for what will be an exciting few years ahead."
The former US college basketballer played 32 games for Gold Coast after moving from Adelaide at the end of 2019 following 51 games for the Crows.
North are coming off their first wooden spoon in almost 50 years and will have the opening selection in the national draft on November 24.
