THE NAB AFL Trade period opened this morning with the Hawks securing key position player Ty Vickery.

Vickery signed a two-year deal which will see him contracted until the end of the 2018 season.

The Hawks new recruit spoke to hawthornfc.com.au following today’s announcement.

“I’m really pleased a deal was able to be reached and I’m looking forward to joining the Hawks,” he said.

“Richmond has been a big part of my life and I want to thank them for the past eight years.

“I felt it was time for a change and that Hawthorn was the best fit for my future at this point in time.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what my future holds at the Hawks and I hope I can produce some good footy in the brown and gold.”

Vickery joined the Tigers as their first round selection (No. 8 overall) in 2008 after being recruited from the Sandringham Dragons.

The 200cm key forward/ruck has played 119 career games since making his debut in 2009 and has kicked 158 goals.

Vickery will boost the Hawks key position stocks after the club lost Jonathon Ceglar to an ACL injury late this season and the return date of Jarryd Roughead still unknown.