MELBOURNE has traded Dean Kent to St Kilda in exchange for pick 65 of the NAB AFL Draft, agreeing to terms on Friday morning.

Kent’s departure comes after an interrupted 2018 season, where he managed only five matches due to injury.

Despite initially overcoming hamstring issues which had impacted his 2017 season, Kent suffered a strain early in 2018, before eventually gaining selection in the AFL side later in the season.

A ruptured AC joint against Greater Western Sydney in the final round of the home-and-away season subsequently ruled him out of Melbourne’s finals campaign.

General Manager of football operations, Josh Mahoney, thanked Kent for his service and contribution to the club.

“Dean has shown his ability at AFL level, but unfortunately injuries have impacted his continuity over the years,” Mahoney told Melbourne Media.

“Whilst we were keen to keep Dean and offered him a contract, we understand the security that a longer-term offer presents, and we are glad that he has an opportunity to extend his AFL career.” 

In what was a tough decision for Kent, the 24-year-old leaves having played 63 games for Melbourne.

Kent was drafted in 2012 with pick No.48.