Collingwood's Billy Frampton (Image: Collingwood FC Twitter)
Collingwood's bargain recruit Billy Frampton has claimed that after spending time as a tall forward and in the ruck, a third role awaits him at his third AFL club.
Having aided both South Australian outfits as a tall ahead of the ball and at stoppages across his two dozen AFL appearances, the 25-year-old explained that his future would lie in defense after crossing from the Crows.
Speaking with SEN after being traded to the Pies for the princely sum of a future third-round pick, Frampton contended that his future would be spent down back.
“They sort of want me to play a key back role," Frampton said of the Magpies' brief.
“They think my strengths are to help the team with the way I intercept (mark), being able to roll off and using my kicking to create offence.
“It was pretty intriguing for me and yeah, I'm really happy to be here.”
While Craig McRae's defensive unit already consists of perennial forces in Darcy Moore, Brayden Maynard and Jeremy Howe, Frampton hoped his 201cm frame would help add another dimension to the Pies' pursuit of a record-equalling 16th flag.
“Ideally that (key back role) is what I'd be after,” Frampton added.
“To play a key back role, help Darcy, Howe and all of those boys sort of roll off a little bit.
“That's what I want to be doing, I think there's a spot for me and hopefully I can take it.”
Although unable to crack a regular place in the Crows' 22 during 2022, Frampton managed six appearances, all of which were spent behind the ball.
After joining league circles with the 84th pick of the 2014 National Draft, the Western Australian appeared for Port Adelaide on three occasions over five seasons, adding a further 21 games to his tally with Adelaide between 2020 and 2022.