Over the course of the 2015 AFL Trade Period, we’ll count down Carlton’s top-10 trades over the past 30 years.
Which stars reinvigorated their careers donning the Navy Blue? And who made Carlton their second home?
Coming in at No.3: Heath Scotland
The Trade: Carlton traded in Heath Scotland from Collingwood in 2003, in exchange for pick 35 in the National Draft. The Pies used that selection to recruit Brent Hall, who played one senior game in the black and white in 2005.
Heath Scotland during his Collingwood days. (Photo: AFL Photos)
As the saying goes, you must give credit where credit is due – so former Collingwood captain Tony Shaw needs plenty of praise.
In 2003, when Carlton snagged Heath Scotland from the Pies, ‘Shawry’ said “it would probably bite Collingwood on the bum” – and he was spot on.
Having played 53 games over five seasons for the Pies, the defensive midfielder was traded from Victoria Park to Princes Park and never looked back.
After making his debut in the navy blue in Round 1, 2004 v Fremantle, Scotland went on to play 215 games for Carlton over 11 consistent seasons.
He constantly ranked in the top 10 at Carlton’s best and fairest and on three occasions (2004, 2006, 2007) he polled the most votes of any Blue on Brownlow night.
Beneath Heath Scotland's calm exterior was a man full of passion and an unrelenting will to succeed. (Photo: AFL Photos)
The year before winning the John Nicholls Medal and being crowned the club champion in 2012, Scotland was awarded Carlton life membership – an achievement the 34-year-old will always hold dear.
“When I came to this club I remember clearly walking down the hallway and seeing all the photos of the 200-game players,” Scotland said, as he reflected after announcing his retirement in May 2014.
“I remember thinking how amazing that was, and to get there has meant a lot.
“I’ll forever cherish that, and more importantly, the fact that I’ve become a life member of the club – that really meant a lot.”
‘Scotto’ was unfortunately forced to retire due to an ankle injury in his 11th season at the Blues.
Fittingly, his final game was against his former team, the Pies, in Round 7 2014.
Scotland will always be remembered as a fan favourite and will forever have his name etched on locker number 29 at Princes Park.
Carlton fans say goodbye to one of their favourites. (Photo: AFL Photos)
Top Trades: #10 - Andrejs Everitt
Top Trades: #9 - Corey McKernan
Top Trades: #8 - Sam Docherty
Top Trades: #7 - Ron De Iulio
Top Trades: #6 - Adrian Hickmott
Top Trades: #5 - Earl Spalding
Top Trades: #4 - Matthew Lappin
Who will make up the top two? Stay tuned to carltonfc.com.au over the course of the AFL Trade Period to find out!
