Blake Caracella will play for the Brisbane Lions next season in a deal that will see Damian Cupido and Adam McPhee join the Bombers in 2003. Caracella was the pivotal player in a deal that saw Des Headland join Fremantle. Essendon has picked up two talented young players as a result of the deal - both were Rising Star nominations in 2001. Cupido is a small forward / midfielder while McPhee can play half forward / half back.

McPhee was selected by Fremantle at number 39 in the 2000 national draft. He has good size (187cm) and is an excellent mark. His courage impressed in 2000 and it saw him earn a Rising Star nomination. Cupido is a brilliantly-skilled small forward / midfielder who was sensational in early 2000 before severely injuring a shoulder. In 2001 he found it hard to break back into the powerful Brisbane side. Cupido was the number six selection in the 1999 National Draft.

Caracella leaves Essendon having played 126 games since making his debut in 1997 – 24 of those coming last season. He kicked a total of 151 goals in his time at Essendon. More trade news will be posted as it becomes official.