WITH the AFL’s Trade Period officially underway, we thought we’d look back at the deals which brought some current Blues to the AFLW side.

Of course, the Game Changers had a busy trade period of their own this year, welcoming three new Blues to the fold.

There also happens to be some hidden gems in the draft picks which Carlton has acquired in this time. Let’s look into it.

2017

In: Nicola Stevens, pick No.28 (Sophie Li)
Out: Picks Nos.5, 13 and 21

Carlton went down as the first club in AFLW history to complete a trade, and it was with old enemy Collingwood no less. The Blues identified All-Australian Nicola Stevens as a key target, with the former Pie having featured in every game for the Blues since arriving at Ikon Park. Initially a defender, Stevens shone as a forward in 2020, embracing her new role after making her way to the Blues for a host of draft picks three years ago.

In: Tayla Harris, pick No.12 (Georgia Gee)
Out: Bella Ayre, Nat Exon, Bianca Jakobsson

It was the trade request which sent shockwaves throughout the competition in its first year: Tayla Harris wanted to be a Blue. Carlton had to pay up to get the Brisbane Lion, trading Bella Are, Nat Exon (both Brisbane) and Bianca Jakobsson. While Carlton would clearly be thrilled with Harris’ output, the clincher is the extra first-round pick which the Blues received: it just so happened to be used on young gun, Georgia Gee.

2019

In: Pick No.2 (Lucy McEvoy), pick No.26 (Brooke Vernon), pick No.44 (Serena Gibbs), pick No.59 (Courtney Jones)
Out: Brianna Davey, picks Nos.67 and 82

When captain Brianna Davey announced she wanted to swap the Navy Blue for the black and white, Carlton demanded a big return. That came in the form of four draft picks, including Collingwood’s first-round draft pick. With that No.2 selection, the Blues drafted Lucy McEvoy — the player they regarded as the best in the pool, and one who showed exactly why she was so high rated in her first season. The Game Changers also welcome Brooke Vernon, Serena Gibbs and Courtney Jones: young talent who could yet have a big say in their Navy Blue futures.

2020
In: Maddy Guerin, Elise O’Dea (Melbourne)
Out: Sarah Hosking (Richmond)

It wasn’t quite this direct of a swap, but it’s what it turned out to be. Sarah Hosking made her way to Richmond early in this year’s trade period, with the Tigers parting with pick No.15. With that selection, Carlton ultimately passed it on to Melbourne in exchange for experienced gun Elise O’Dea as well as the exciting Maddy Guerin. A former Melbourne captain, O’Dea is a dual AFLW All Australian, while Guerin is as exciting as they come.

In: Charlotte Hammans
Out: Pick No.56

Taking place on the final day of this year's trade period, Charlotte Hammans became a Blue in exchange for a fourth-round draft selection. A talented half forward/winger from the Gold Coast Suns, Hammans could very well prove to be an old-fashioned Deadline Day bargain: she'll wear the No.17 guernsey in 2021.