AFL free agent Daniel Wells has joined Collingwood on a lucrative three-year deal.
The Magpies confirmed on Tuesday that they had signed the former North Melbourne midfielder, who rejected a two-year offer to stay with the Kangaroos.
Given he will be 32 by the start of next season, Wells' move to Collingwood has raised some eyebrows.
Retired Magpies star Dane Swan was among those saying the deal came as a surprise.
But Collingwood recruiting manager Derek Hine expects Wells to have a big impact.
"Daniel was ranked No.1 in the competition for score assists, he was in the top 10 per cent for kicking efficiency and averaged four inside 50's per game," Hine said in a club statement.
"These are elite qualities and, of course, his ball use and decision making have always been of the highest order."
While Wells has had injury problems, he played 19 games this season and finished fourth in the club's best and fairest voting.
The Kangaroos will receive the second-round No.32 draft pick as compensation.
"It will be a little strange, at first, calling myself a Magpie," Wells said in a club statement.
"But I'm feeling very comfortable with it already and I couldn't be more excited about a future in black and white."
Earlier on Tuesday, before the deal was confirmed, Wells farewelled North with an Instagram post.
"I just wanted to say that it weighs heavy on my heart that I have to leave this club that I literally grew up with," Wells said.
Wells played 243 games for North in 14 seasons.
