CARLTON Football Club has signed young GWS midfielder Will Setterfield during the 2018 trade period after reaching a deal with the Giants on Friday afternoon.

The Blues will send their future second-round pick as well as pick No.43 in this year’s draft to GWS, in exchange for Setterfield and the Giants’ pick No.71.

Heading into the 2016 draft, Setterfield was touted as one of the most complete midfielders in the talent pool, with his clearance work and ability to use the ball two of his key assets.

The Blues initially selected the onballer with pick No.5, however as a member of the Giants’ Academy, the bid was swiftly matched by GWS.

With an ankle injury hampering the start of his AFL career in 2017, the 20-year-old recovered and developed through the state-league competition, and averaged 25 disposals, one goal, 7.6 tackles and 4.7 clearances in seven NEAFL matches. 

In the same year he played two consecutive AFL games, making his debut against Richmond in Round 18 and backing it up the following week against Fremantle in Round 19.

With 2018 set to be his breakout season, the Albury local unfortunately ruptured his ACL in February during the Club’s first practice match against Sydney, ruling him out for the entire year.

GM of List Management and Strategy Stephen Silvagni said he has always regarded Setterfield as a quality young midfielder.

“We kept a close eye on Will during the under-18 competitions and rated him really highly heading into the 2016 draft, so we’re rapt he’ll pull on the navy blue next year,” Silvagni said.

“Securing Will strengthens our midfield and at 20 years old, although he’s a bit younger in terms of the age bracket we are targeting, he’s an excellent talent who will grow and learn alongside Patrick Cripps, Marc Murphy, Paddy Dow and Zac Fisher.

“Unfortunately, in his first two years of senior footy he’s had a tough run with injury, but with the addition of Andrew Russell to our high-performance team, we’re confident we’ll be able to get his body right and tailor a fitness program for him.

“I’d like to thank the Giants for their cooperation throughout the process. We understood that Will had another two years left to run on his contract, so we’re pleased GWS were open to reaching a deal that benefitted both clubs.”

The AFL trade period ends at 8:30pm on Wednesday 17 October (for exchange of players).