Western Bulldogs midfielder Lachie Hunter has departed the Club, after a trade deal was reached with Melbourne during the final hours of the 2022 Continental Tyres Trade Period.

Hunter was traded to the Demons in exchange for a future third-round selection.

The soon-to-be 28-year-old will join the Demons alongside Josh Schache, who was traded to Melbourne hours earlier for a future fourth-round selection.

Hunter played 173 games for the Bulldogs after arriving as a father-son selection in 2012, and played in the Club’s drought-breaking 2016 premiership.

He won the Club’s Charles Sutton Medal in 2018 and played in 12 finals games over his 10 years at the Club, for seven wins.

Hunter managed 10 games in 2022 as he battled form and personal issues, returning to the side for the final three games of the year, including the Elimination Final.

“Lachie had two years remaining on his contract at the Bulldogs, but expressed his desire to seek a fresh start, if it could be facilitated,” said Bulldogs General Manager of List & Recruiting, Sam Power.

“We agreed that this was the best approach for both parties, and we were willing to work with the Demons to allow Lachie to have that opportunity.

“Lachie is a premiership player, life member and has a close family connection with the Bulldogs so will always be welcomed back. We thank him for his contribution to the Club over a 10-year period and we wish him the best for the remainder of his career.”