Melbourne has landed Hawthorn speedster Changkuoth Jiath in exchange for Pick 42 and the Demons' 2026 fourth-round selection.
The Demons were on the lookout for a rebounding defender once Judd McVee was traded to Fremantle earlier in the player exchange period.
The Hawks will bolster their 2025 draft stocks with Pick 42, which Melbourne received in compensation for Charlie Spargo's departure to North Melbourne.
"We're absolutely delighted to welcome Changkuoth to the club," Melbourne AFL List Manager Tim Lamb said.
"CJ has a unique and impressive skillset; he is strong in the air, and with his athleticism and explosiveness, while provide some great run for us off half back.
"We've seen the impact CJ can have at AFL level, and we're excited that his future is now in red and blue"
Jiath was contracted at the Hawks until the end of 2027, but has found himself on the outer.
Trade approved.
Hawthorn trade Changkuoth Jiath to Melbourne for 2025 Round Two Pick 42 and a 2026 Round Four selection (tied to Melbourne) in the respective Telstra AFL Drafts.
— AFL House (@AFL_House) October 15, 2025
The likes of Jack Scrimshaw, Josh Weddle, James Sicily, Blake Hardwick, Karl Amon and Jarman Impey all hold supremacy over the Xavier College product in the backline, while on the wing, Massimo D'Ambrosio, Weddle, and Harry Morrison have locked down those positions.
The 26-year-old was signed as a Category B Rookie ahead of the 2018 season, and has played 76 games for the Hawks.
He will join Melbourne along with Brody Mihocek and Max Heath, who will be under the direction of new senior coach Steven King. They also hold an interest in St Kilda captain Jack Steele.
The trade will see Hawthorn hold Picks 9, 31, 42, 43, 62, 76, 94 and 112 in November's draft.
The 2025 trade period will come to a close on Wednesday, 7:30pm (AEDT).
