The Carlton Football Club now holds pick Nos.7 and 9 in the Victorian pool of the 2020 NAB AFLW Draft after completing a trade with Richmond on the opening day of the AFLW sign and trade period.

The Blues received the 15th overall pick (No.9 in the Victorian pool) in a trade that sees out-of-contract midfielder Sarah Hosking depart Ikon Park.

This now means Carlton currently holds a strong hand in the upcoming draft with two first round selections.

The Blues have selected young guns Lucy McEvoy, Grace Egan and Madison Prespakis in the first round of the previous two drafts.

Hosking departs Ikon Park after 30 games in the Navy Blue after being an inaugural player with the Game Changers.

Carlton GM of Women’s Football Ash Brown wished Hosking all the best and said the Club was pleased with the opportunity to bring in more elite young talent through the door.

“We’ve seen the quality of players we’ve been able to bring to the Club through the first round of the draft in recent years so it is exciting to again have another opportunity to do that,” Brown said.

“Given Sarah was coming out of contract with us, we are pleased to secure such a high draft pick and thank Richmond for being willing to reach a deal that was fair and reasonable for both parties.

“Sarah has been a fantastic contributor to the Carlton Football Club over the last four seasons, both on and off the field. She departs the Club with lifelong friendships and we wish her well for her next challenge.”

The AFLW trade period will run until 2pm on Wednesday 12 August while the re-signing and restricted free agent period closes on Monday 17 August.