After 46 matches in five up-and-down seasons at Geelong, Thurlow, 24, is optimistic about finding a permanent position in John Longmire’s Sydney defence – after heading to the SCG for pick 70 on Wednesday.

The former No.16 2012 draft pick missed the entire 2016 season and was never able to cement a spot in Chris Scott’s line-up, managing just seven senior games in 2018.

“I’ve been in and out of Geelong’s footy team for probably two or three years,” Thurlow told the Swans’ website.

“I never really cemented a spot after coming back from injury in 2016.

“So I’m just looking forward to obviously meeting all the boys and just getting cracking into training.

“It’s a whole new environment for me and it’s just a fresh start.

“I’m not sure where that’s going to take me but I’ll work hard.

“I was in and out of the Cats team this year. I think I was travelling emergency three or four times and I was in the squad about 18 times for the year.

“I was close but sometimes things don’t fall your way.

“But [Wednesday] fell my way and I get another opportunity at Sydney and I’m really excited for it.”

His ex-Launceston teammate Kade Kolodjashnij also found a new home at Melbourne following 78 games with Gold Coast Suns.

Demons football operations manager Josh Mahoney said Kolodjashnij, 23, would give this year’s preliminary finalists run-and-carry off half-back and on the wing.

“Kade was a player we liked in his draft year, so we’re pleased to welcome him to Melbourne,” Mahoney said.

“He is a former pick No.5 in the national draft, has been runner-up in an AFL best and fairest in his second season and fulfils an immediate list need.

“Kade has had some concussion issues in past years, which has limited his playing ability at the Suns.

“After a thorough check with our medical team, we’re really confident that this will not inhibit Kade into the future.”

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