CARLTON List Manager Michael Agresta gave some insight what was a dramatic final day of the Telstra Trade Period.
The eight days of the player exchange period ended last night at Marvel Stadium, with Carlton welcoming Eddie Betts and Marc Pittonet to the fold.
All the Navy Blue attention was on potential deals with Gold Coast and Sydney for Jack Martin and Tom Papley respectively.
While the Blues and Suns couldn’t reach a trade, Agresta said Martin is still keen to be a Blue in 2020.
“We made a really fair deal and offer to the Gold Coast Suns for Jack, but we couldn’t come to an agreement,” Agresta said.
Stephen Silvagni spoke to the media following the conclusion of the Trade Period.#BoundByBlue
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) October 16, 2019
“Jack is committed to coming to the Carlton Football Club.
“We’ll explore our options through the NAB AFL and Pre-Season Drafts.”
From the beginning of the trade period, Carlton was having open, respectful dialogue on a possible trade for the contracted Papley.
Agresta said the Club was understand of Sydney’s stance to retain the small forward.
“We made a really strong offer to Sydney but, unfortunately, it was really tied up in the Joe Daniher deal,” he said.
“We weren’t able to get that one over the line.
“We feel for Tom, but we’re respectful of the Swans at the same time.”
Attention now turns to the NAB AFL Draft in November, with the Blues holding picks Nos.9 and 43.
Agresta said it was a chance to add even more young talent to Carlton’s burgeoning stocks.
“We believe we have a really strong hand in the draft,” he said.
“With pick No.9, we think we’ll get a really elite junior talent through the door.
“We’re really pleased with our hand going into the NAB AFL Draft.”