MELBOURNE has landed former Bomber Michael Hibberd and selection No.59 in exchange for picks No.29 and No.68.



The 26-year-old has signed a four-year deal, meaning he will remain with the club until at least the end of the 2020 season.

Hibberd played 84 matches for Essendon from 2011-15, before he was ruled out of football in 2016, as he was one of the 12 Bombers to be suspended this year.

General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said the club was delighted to secure Hibberd.

“Michael was targeted throughout the year as a player who would add experience to our young defence,” told melbournefc.com.au.

“Michael is a competitor who attacks the ball strongly both in the air and on the ground and who’s kicking will help us with our overall ball movement.

“Any deal involving a player during the trade period is stressful for the player involved, particularly in this situation with Michael.

“We are happy that we’ve been able to agree on a trade and Michael can now look forward knowing he is a Melbourne Football Club player.”

A piercing left-footer, Hibberd has a fearless attack on the ball and will provide maturity to an emerging defence.

His 2013-14 seasons were outstanding for Essendon, when he finished fourth in the club’s best and fairest award in both years.

He finished eighth in Essendon’s best and fairest in 2015.

Originally from Somerville, Hibberd played for Dandenong Stingrays and then Frankston in the VFL before being taken at selection No.4 in the 2011 NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.