THE high cost of living in Sydney was a key factor in Andrejs Everitt's decision to return to Melbourne and play for Carlton.

The 24 year old became the fourth Swan to depart in the wake of Lance Franklin’s arrival at the SCG joining Shane Mumford, Jesse White and Jed Lamb on the departures list.



AFL TRADE MONTH REPORT CARDS

The 9 per cent cost of living allowance paid to the Swans and the Giants has been the subject of controversy following the signing of Franklin and Kurt Tippett in consecutive seasons.





Melbourne clubs led by Collingwood President Eddie McGuire have called for the scrapping of the arrangement.

“The expense of Sydney compared to Melbourne was one of the key factors in Andrejs decision making process,” Everitt’s manager Winston Rous from Phoenix Management told News Limited.

“Rental costs are much higher in Sydney as are most living expenses.

“For players outside the top 25 per cent of salaries there are quality of life issues that you weigh up when looking at offers from other clubs.”

Everitt had his best season playing 15 matches including three finals but because of the Franklin signing weren’t able to put an offer in front of Everitt until the second last day of the trade period.

Jed Lamb’s decision to go to the Giants created some salary cap space for the versatile utility.

“While we’re disappointed to lose Andrejs, we understand his reason for seeking a trade to Carlton and we wish him all the best in the future at his new club,” Moore said.

The Swans also traded pick 39 in next month’s National draft for pick 32 as part of the deal.

Carlton will become Everitt’s third AFL club after starting his career at the Western Bulldogs in 2007 selected at pick 11 in the draft, he has now played 79 games.





“We’re rapt actually to secure the services of Andrejs,” Carlton Football Manager Andrew McKay said.

“He was keen to come back down to Melbourne and we were very, very keen to get his services.”