With the official start of the trade period just around the corner, we take a look back at two historic trades.

Scott Lucas:

When you say the name Scott Lucas, you automatically associate him with the Essendon Football Club. However, had it not been for a smart trade, Lucas may have very well found himself playing for Fremantle.

On the eve of their AFL debut in 1995, the Dockers entered the 1994 draft with the goal of finding some more senior players to join their young side. Loaded with draft picks, the Dockers targeted a number of Essendon players including the uncontracted Todd Ridley as well as Tony Delaney and Dale Kickett.

Ridley would join the Dockers ‘free of charge’ while Delaney and Kickett would be traded for picks 4 and 39 respectively.

Pick four would then be used to secure non-other than Scott Lucas.

Lucas would go on to become one of Essendon’s greatest forwards, kicking 471 from 270 games and playing an integral role in the Club’s premiership year in 2000.

Adam Ramanauskas:

The trade to secure pick number 12 in the 1998 AFL Draft had the potential to be a contentious one.

In order to secure the pick, the Bombers would have to part with 1993 Premiership Player and fan favourite Ricky Olarenshaw who had just come off a strong season In 1997 after struggling with injuries.

The wingman would eventually be traded to Collingwood and Essendon would get their pick in the 1998 draft.

Pick number 12 that year would be used on Adam Ramanauskas.

Ramanauskas would go onto play 134 games for the Club including in the 2000 premiership, where his ability to play as either a defender or a midfielder would see him become a vital part of the team mix.

More importantly, however, was Ramanauskas’ contribution off the field with his heroic and well documented battle with cancer providing players and fans with a story of inspiration and hope.

So, who was the better trade?