CARLTON recruit Andrew Collins admits he was surprised to learn Richmond had offered him up for trade, but says he is delighted with the opportunity that lies ahead of him at Visy Park.

Collins, 21, was traded to the Blues as a straight swap for disgruntled midfielder Shaun Grigg on Monday. While the past week has been a tense one, the former Tiger says he has landed on his feet.  

"I hold no angst against Richmond," Collins said from Etihad Stadium on Monday.

"They've been very good to me, it's been my home for the last four years, so I leave on good terms there. That's footy I suppose; it throws a few curve balls.

"I'm very excited. I suppose a couple of days ago it came as a bit of a shock, but I couldn't be more positive about the move. I'm really excited about the faith that Carlton has shown in me. I can't wait to get down there and get started.

"I think Shaun Grigg is obviously a quality player. Richmond were very keen on him and were willing to let me go. That's footy; it just happens."

Collins at least had some input into the move as a contracted player at Punt Road, but came to the decision to leave after "a day or two of good solid thinking" that left him excited about the direction Carlton was headed in.

Collins played 25 games for the Tigers after joining the club as the 73rd player selected at the 2006 NAB AFL Draft.

He kicked three goals in an eye-catching performance against the Sydney Swans in round 14 this season and hopes to split his time between attack and on the ball at his new club.

"I've spoken to Ratts about it and it will be a bit of both I think," he said.

"In today's game you need to be able to play a few positions and that's what I want to do. I'm a midfielder who can go up forward and try and snag [a goal] or take a mark.

"[But] there's a lot of water to go under the bridge, a lot of training to be done. I just hope I can work my way into the side and eventually have an impact."

Follow our complete coverage of the 2010 AFL exchange period from October 5-11. No trades are official until paperwork has been accepted by the AFL and formally recognised after 2pm on Monday, October 11.

Join the AFL trade conversation on Twitter: use #tradeweek in your tweets.