Changkuoth Jiath's departure from Hawthorn and arrival at Melbourne wasn't necessarily a blockbuster deal fans had in mind on deadline day, traded early last Wednesday for Pick 42.
However, his decision to leave the Hawks was still an unlikely development considering he remained contracted to Hawthorn through the 2027 season.
Jiath has played 76 games since he was drafted as a category B rookie ahead of the 2018 season, with a career-high 20 matches coming in 2025. However, the 26-year-old spent six of those as the starting substitute, including all three of Hawthorn's September fixtures, while playing out of position throughout the year under senior coach Sam Mitchell.
A change of scenery was needed, and as Jiath told Melbourne Media, the opportunity to return to his signature dashing half-back role sold the idea of a move to the Demons.
“Melbourne chatted with me three or four days before it all happened, and what they pitched was really exciting," Jiath said.
"Once I heard what the opportunity could be, I was just keen to get involved.
“I think [half-back] is where I play my best footy. The last couple of years I've had a few injuries, so I haven't really been able to showcase what I can do. I feel like here at Melbourne is where I'll get back to playing my best footy, alongside a really strong backline group.”
In the 14 games where Jiath did not feature as substitute, the speedster averaged 16.7 disposals per game at 79% efficiency, numbers close to his career-best figures from his breakout 2022 campaign.
Jiath highlighted the talent he's surrounded by at the Demons and how the club's new era under recently appointed senior coach Stephen King played a major factor in his decision to join the Dees.
“There's some really good talent here, especially with Kingy jumping on board,” Jiath said.
“I feel like it's going to be a build that I'm really excited for, and I'm looking forward to helping this team get to where it wants to be.
“I've met Kozzy a few times, and I've watched him develop over the years. I'm really excited to pick his brain and see how we can make each other better.
“I'm also a big fan of Jake Bowey... and of course, Max Gawn is a special player. I can't wait to get to know the group."
Jiath arrives at Melbourne alongside three other strong recruits following a rollercoaster trade period for the Demons, which saw them lose three heroes from the 2021 premiership side, including Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca.
Former Saints Max Heath and Jack Steele enter the facilities after being pushed out of Moorabbin while Brody Mihocek looks set to conclude an impressive career at the Demons, with the 32-year-old departing Collingwood via a trade, similarly to Jiath.
