Longmire thrilled to get Everitt

(AAP) - Sydney coach John Longmire says he's "rapt" to get Andrejs Everitt in an AFL Trade Week deal that involves Patrick Veszpremi joining the Western Bulldogs.

Small forward Veszpremi, 21, felt his three years in Sydney was enough time away
from Melbourne and he had told the Swans he wanted to head home.
"Patty was still under contract so we wanted to look after the football club,"
Longmire told AAP on Wednesday.
"We're rapt to have a player like Andrejs.
"He's played 12 games this year. He plays on half-back on players of different sizes.
"He's 193 centimetres. He's good below his knees, he can play on the wing."
Longmire said Sydney's ability to get the best out of traded players would hopefully
give Everitt extra confidence.
Ex-Geelong ruckman Shane Mumford and former Hawk Josh Kennedy finished second and
third in Sydney's Bob Skilton Medal last week, behind Kieren Jack.
"I hope it gives the players some confidence," Longmire said.
"We've seen some players really improve (after joining Sydney).
"So that's what we're hoping will happen. Taller players do at times take a little
bit longer."
Everitt's older brother Peter "Spida" Everitt is a former Swans ruckman.
Football manager James Fantasia said the Bulldogs were thrilled to gain Veszpremi.
"Patrick is a player we have kept our eyes on for a while now and we are very
excited to get him down to the club," Fantasia said.
"I sincerely believe that this trade will be a win-win for both parties and I hope
he (Everitt) can make the most of his new opportunity."
Veszpremi became a Sydney fan favourite in his debut year of 2008, kicking four
goals in one of his six games.
But in 2010 the Victorian has played only one senior match for the Swans for a total
of 11, struggling this year with injuries and form.
Everitt, also 21, has played 36 games for the Bulldogs including 12 this year.
The Bulldogs also get a late pick as part of the deal, although the details will be
confirmed later in trade week.
Everitt said the lifestyle and the coaching staff were two things which had
attracted him to Sydney.
"It's very exciting," Everitt told the afl.com.au website from Hong Kong, where he's
holidaying with Bulldogs players.
"I'm sort of trying to soak it all up and tell the boys once I get down to the lobby
and see what the reaction is from there."
The Bulldogs and Sydney are interested in Brisbane's Justin Sherman, who has
indicated his preference for the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs gave up picks 22 and No.40 on Tuesday for under-18 players Mitch Wallis
and Tom Liberatore under the father-son rule.
Meanwhile, Hawthorn small forward Rhan Hooper has told the club he wants to return
home to Queensland.
The former Brisbane Lion joined the Hawks this season, playing six games and kicking
seven goals in a year interrupted by injury.
The 22-year-old has kicked 56 goals in a 54-game career plagued by disciplinary issues.
Brisbane coach Michael Voss says the Lions aren't interested in regaining Hooper.
Hawthorn have "firm interest" in North Melbourne's David Hale, although Melbourne
are also chasing the 201cm Queenslander.
The Hawks are also keen on Western Bulldogs forward Josh Hill.
"We've spoken to Josh and his manager," recruiting spokesman Chris Pelchen said.
"It's still early days. I wouldn't suggest a deal is about to be done and we haven't
put a formal offer to the Bulldogs for Josh."