Carlton has today further strengthened its hand in the upcoming national draft, securing selections 11 and 19 as the AFL trade period concluded.

The first deal involved trading picks 20 and 21 along with a 2016 fourth-round pick to the Western Bulldogs in return for selection 11 and their 2016 third-round pick.

In a separate deal, Carlton granted Chris Yarran’s request to leave the Blues and traded him to Richmond for selection 19.

Carlton’s 2015 draft selections now stand at 1, 8, 11, 19, 59, 60 and 113, which includes an unprecedented four selections in the top 20.

The Blues also secured a 2016 third-round selection from the Western Bulldogs, while landing talented youngsters Lachie Plowman, Andrew Phillips, Liam Sumner and Jed Lamb from GWS, along with 22 year-old Sam Kerridge from Adelaide.

Carlton’s General Manager of List Management and Strategy, Stephen Silvagni, said the trade period had proved successful for the club.

“From the outset we had two objectives - firstly, to strengthen our early draft selections - and I am pleased we have secured four picks inside the top 20 which gives us a great launchpad heading into the draft,” Silvagni said.

“Secondly we wanted to bring in some young, competitive, hardworking talent, all with AFL system experience.

“They are hungry and passionate for the opportunity to represent Carlton and I am sure they will develop under the tutelage of our coach Brendon Bolton and his new coaching panel.

“Now we turn our attention to the draft as we continue to build.”

The AFL National Draft will be held in Adelaide on Tuesday 24 November.