On the last day of the trade period, Carlton has yet again strengthened its position heading into the 2015 AFL National Draft, securing a further two first-round picks (11, 19).
For the first time in the Club’s history, the Blues will enter the draft with four picks inside the top 20, holding selections 1, 8, 11 and 19.
The first deal on Thursday involved trading picks 20 and 21 along with a 2016 fourth-round pick to the Western Bulldogs in return for selection 11 and the Dogs' 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.
Speaking moments after Carlton finished its trade dealings, the Blues’ Head of Football Andrew McKay told the waiting media Carlton fans should be buoyed by so many early picks.
“I think the real benefit Carlton supporters and members can take home today is that we've got pick 1, pick 8, pick 11 and pick 19, so we’re going to get some very, very good players in the draft,” McKay said.
Carlton’s “two-faced approach” to acquire early picks, in addition to recruiting young players with AFL experience, will no doubt help build sustained success at the Blues.
Trade wrap: All you need to know about Carlton's 2015 trade period
But as Carlton’s General Manager for List Management and Strategy, Stephen Silvagni, reiterated to the media on Wednesday, you need to be able to give up something in order to get something.
“Certainly we got some good picks and we got some good players in, but the unfortunate part about getting picks and players in, is you have to relinquish something,” McKay said.
“I wish all those boys well who have moved on, but we’re really happy to get the boys that we have on board and into Carlton – we’re really looking forward to the draft.”
In relation to acquiring another Giant - versatile forward Adam Tomlinson - McKay admitted GWS turned down Carlton's “pretty hefty offer”.
“We did speak to GWS about Tomlinson in some depth and we put something pretty hefty on the table but they didn’t accept that.”
The 2015 AFL National Draft will be held in Adelaide on Tuesday 24 November.