ALL involved at Carlton were “rapt” to add emerging young gun Will Setterfield to the Blues, according to Stephen Silvagni.
The Blues acquired the talented 20-year-old midfielder earlier today, sending pick No.43 and a future second-round draft pick to Greater Western Sydney for Setterfield and pick No.71.
Setterfield adds to Carlton’s burgeoning young midfield stocks, alongside joint captain Patrick Cripps, Paddy Dow, Zac Fisher and Sam Petrevski-Seton.
Speaking to NAB AFL Trade Radio, Silvagni said it was important the deal was equal for all parties.
“If you calculate those points, it probably equates to around pick 15 — early days, that’s what the Giants were looking for. I think it was fair,” Silvagni said.
“We’ve given up a few selections for him and we’re thrilled to have him on board. We’ve tried to target midfielders this trade period.”
Carlton has evidently been fans of Setterfield since the beginning, bidding on the youngster with pick No.5 back in the 2016 national draft.
Silvagni said Setterfield’s versatility and ability to add another dimension to Carlton’s midfield were exciting propositions.
“He’s a tall inside mid, he’s a hybrid that can play inside or outside, he runs really well, has really good hands and can kick a goal,” Silvagni said.
“We certainly do rate him, ever since his 18th year.”
Sett-ling in already.
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) October 12, 2018
We're delighted to have you, @willsetterfield.#FutureIsSett pic.twitter.com/2dg4Emq6TH
The 2018 season was written off for Setterfield after rupturing his ACL in a practice match back in February.
However, Silvagni said all parties were confident that the injury troubles were behind him and a long Carlton career was in the offing.
“We’ve done a medical on him and he’ll be in full training after Christmas. It gives him plenty of time to get ready for Round 1, so we’re hoping his form warrants selection,” Silvagni said.
“When you’re overcoming a knee injury, your upper body does build up and can help a little bit physically.”
Silvagni said that while “you never know” with five days left in trade period, the Club was happy so far with its work this off-season.
“To be able to bring in Mitch McGovern, Will and Alex [Fasolo] through the door, we think we’ve done reasonably well,” Silvagni said.
"I'm rapt to be part of the Blues family." - @mmcgov11
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) October 10, 2018
Gov says g'day. #HelloGovernor pic.twitter.com/lgVy0OwdsN
“There’s some conversations about the first pick and it’s not off the table, but what a deal would look like — I’m unsure.
“To hold onto pick No.1 … We think we’re going to get a really good player there. We’re in a pretty good position.”