North Melbourne has traded hard-running midfielder-cum-defender Ryan Clarke to Sydney. 

The out-of-contract 21-year-old will head to the Swans in exchange for pick 61 in the upcoming draft. 

“Originally brought in as a midfielder, he made the transition to defence last season and became a more rounded player,” Joyce added. 

“He showed a great capacity to accumulate possessions around the ball and a willingness to learn a new role which was a credit to him.”

Clarke was drafted to the Kangaroos from the Eastern Ranges with pick 31 in 2015. 

“Ryan has been a solid contributor for us over the past few years and we wish him the very best in the next chapter of his career,” North GM football Cameron Joyce said. 

Clarke played 40 games following his debut in Round 16, 2016.