THE Carlton Football Club has significantly boosted its key defensive depth, with the acquisition of Harriet Cordner during the AFLW Sign and Trade Period. 

The experienced defender arrives at IKON Park as part of a three-way trade that sees Nat Plane depart for St Kilda, while the Saints also receive pick No.14 from Richmond, who acquire Caitlin Greiser. 

Cordner will provide a welcome addition of experience and leadership to an emerging Blues’ playing group.  

The 30-year-old spent her first four AFLW seasons as a key pillar in the backline for Melbourne, before crossing to Punt Road in 2021. 

Cordner made an instant impact, earning selection in the All-Australian squad during her first season with the Tigers, as well as a top-five finish in the  best and fairest. This culminated in a promotion to the leadership group where she was subsequently named vice-captain at the start of 2022. 

A knee injury cut short Cordner’s season six and ruled her out of season seven, however the extended break has her ready to go for the Blues’ upcoming campaign in August. 

Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd said the Club viewed Cordner as a player who filled a real area of need for the side, both on and off the field. 

“With 37 games to her name, Harriet will already be in the top five most experienced players on our list, so her knowledge of what it takes to consistently compete at the elite level will be crucial for our group,” Lloyd said. 

“Harriet is a proven leader, who we know will help us drive standards internally and be a strong voice to help guide the emerging talent we have throughout the playing list. 

“Our club would also like to thank Nat Plane for her significant contribution to Carlton over the last seven seasons. An inaugural Game Changer, Nat was a fantastic person to have around the football club, always providing great energy. 

“Nat will always be welcome back to the Carlton Football Club and we wish her the very best in the next chapter of her career.”