However, many people would be unaware Bell’s arrival at North in 1996 set in place a chain of events which culminated in the club drafting Swallow in the 2005 National Draft.
It’s a complicated process, so let NMFC.com.au guide you through it, step by step.
Step 1: Peter Bell arrives at North Melbourne in 1996
After being delisted by Fremantle following its inaugural season, North takes a punt on the midfielder in the 1996 pre-season draft.
Step 2: Peter Bell is traded to Fremantle in 2000
After 123 games, two premierships and a Syd Barker Medal, Bell requests a trade back to Fremantle in a bid to return to his home state.
As part of the deal, pick 8 is sent to North. The Kangaroos also receive Jess Sinclair and pick 6 (Dylan Smith) as part of the package.
Step 3: Pick 8 in the 2000 National Draft is used on Daniel Motlop
Selected from North Adelaide in the SANFL, Motlop spends five seasons at North. He plays 47 games and kicks 53 goals.
Step 4: Daniel Motlop is traded to Port Adelaide in 2005
Like Bell, Motlop asks for a trade back to his home state after five seasons.
As part of the deal, pick 46 is dealt to North. The Kangaroos also receive pick 28 (Matt Riggio) as part of the package.
Step 5: As part of a trade to the Western Bulldogs, North gives up pick 46
North’s activity in the 2005 trade period wasn’t over after the Motlop deal. Looking to acquire Jade Rawlings, the Kangaroos offer pick 46 to the Bulldogs (Travis Baird). In return, they receive Rawlings and pick 43.
Step 6: North uses pick 43 in the 2005 National Draft on Andrew Swallow
Now the captain of the club and past the five-year mark which affected Bell and Motlop, Swallow is at Aegis Park for the long haul.
It may not have happened if Bell didn’t arrive at North in 1996.
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