Suns explain shock decision to trade pick No.2

List boss Scott Clayton says the Suns felt they held adequate cover in their list from past and future drafts to part with pick No.2 in a trade for Fremantle's Lachie Weller.

Gold Coast had a busy end to the trade period, culminating in Gary Ablett's move back to Geelong and Weller shifting east alongside pick No.41.

Brandon Matera went to the Dockers in a separate late trade, while the Suns signed Aaron Young following a deal with Port Adelaide.

Gold Coast will head into the November 24 draft with picks No.19, No.41, No.50, No.54, No.76 and No.94.

They have picked up 2018 draft picks from West Coast (first round), Essendon (second round), Geelong (second round) and Fremantle (third round), while sending their own second-round pick to the Eagles.

"Last year we bought in four first-round picks -- four inside (the top) 10 last year," Clayton told reporters.

"We were mindful that next year's draft's fantastic. We certainly wanted to get Lachie Weller in, there was no question. He'll bring a lot of spirit and morale to our group, who are very much looking forward to him.

"They know him from our academy, he's coming back, which we were really pleased with.

"We certainly would have preferred to keep pick two, but when you spread it over three years, we've had four top-10 picks last year, none this year, but we've banked two for next year."

The Suns secured West Coast's first-round pick at 10.30am on Thursday and attempted to send it to Fremantle for Weller.

But with the Dockers refusing to fold and declining interest in their state rivals' selection, Clayton bit the bullet with pick No.2.

He says now that securing the Eagles pick was effectively the tipping point.

"The pivotal deal for next year was being able to get West Coast's future first," he said.

"We go on to next year's draft with two first rounds, two second rounds and two third rounds, so in regards to currency, we're very well placed."

Weller joins the untried Adelaide player Harrison Wigg in joining Gold Coast, while Adam Saad moved to Essendon earlier in the week.

The Suns opted against trading for contracted North Melbourne veteran Andrew Swallow, who spoke of his desire for a fresh start alongside brother David

However, he could yet make his way to the club in November if he negotiates a release with the Kangaroos to become a delisted free agent.