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Dockers star shocks AFL after requesting trade

Fremantle star Adam Cerra (pictured) running the ball.
Fremantle star Adam Cerra (pictured) has requested a move back to Victoria. (Getty Images)

Rising star Adam Cerra has dropped a bombshell and told Fremantle he wants to be traded back to Victoria.

The 21-year-old, who finished third in the club's best-and-fairest last year, made the request to return to his home state to be closer to his family and friends.

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Cerra, the No.5 pick in the 2017 AFL draft, has been weighing up his future for most of this season.

"Since his arrival in 2017, Adam Cerra has been everything we hoped we would get from a number five selection in the draft, which only highlights our disappointment in his decision," Dockers football manager Peter Bell said.

"Our disappointment comes with the understanding that Adam is making this request purely based on his desire to be closer to his family and friends, something that has been especially difficult for our interstate players in the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Since 2017, we have invested a lot into Adam both on and off the field, and we are proud of the person he is and the footballer he is.

"It's easy to forget that he is only 21, with many years ahead until he reaches the peak of his abilities."

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Cerra has hardly missed a match since joining Fremantle having played 76 times.

The midfielder enjoyed his best season to date after averaging 23.1 disposals, 5.2 marks and 3.6 clearances.

Cerra has come into his own under the coaching of Justin Longmuir.

The star reportedly had a four-year contract worth $750,000 tabled by the Dockers, but the 21-year-old knocked it back.

Multiple media reports have linked Cerra with a move to under-fire Carlton, who are yet to decide on the future of coach David Teague.

The future of Blues mentor Teague has been the subject of intense speculation, and Carlton bosses were widely expected to announce his exit on Monday morning.

However, Carlton stunned the AFL world on Monday after cancelled an all-club meeting for Monday morning and instead released a statement saying more time was required before making a call on the embattled coach's future.

Fremantle would request the Blues to give up multiple assets for Cerra, who has been a key part of the Dockers' rebuild under coach Justin Longmuir.

with AAP

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