In a move poised to significantly impact the AFL Trade Period, Carlton and Hawthorn have struck a pick swap deal that could reshape upcoming trades among several AFL clubs.
Details of the Trade
The Blues have acquired pick No.14 in the upcoming Telstra AFL Draft, sending their future first and future second-round picks to the Hawks in return. This strategic exchange bolsters Carlton’s draft position while providing Hawthorn with valuable future selections.
With this trade, Carlton now holds the following picks in this year’s draft:
- Pick 12
- Pick 14
- Pick 69
- Pick 72
- Pick 73
On the other side, Hawthorn’s first pick in this year’s draft has shifted to No.33.
Implications for Other Clubs
Hawthorn was initially expected to use pick No.14 in a deal to acquire West Coast Eagles defender Tom Barrass. The Eagles, in turn, were anticipated to use that selection to negotiate for Richmond’s Liam Baker.
However, with pick No.14 now in Carlton’s possession, this sequence of potential trades has been disrupted. As a result, Fremantle could re-enter the race to secure Liam Baker, adding another layer of intrigue to the trade period.
Strategic Moves and AFL Regulations
Earlier in the trade period, Carlton completed a trade with the Brisbane Lions to bring in a future second-round pick. According to AFL rules, a club can only trade both a future first and a future second-round pick if they have acquired an additional future second-round pick. This manoeuvre allowed the Blues to comply with league regulations and proceed with the trade involving Hawthorn.
Hawthorn’s Perspective
Hawthorn’s national recruiting and list manager, Mark McKenzie, expressed optimism about the trade’s outcome.
“We were always open to seeing what the market was for our first-round pick this year, and to be able to increase our draft assets as a result of this trade is a great outcome,” McKenzie said.
“With an additional draft selection up our sleeve, it now gives us greater flexibility as we progress through the Trade Period.”
This strategic shift provides Hawthorn with enhanced flexibility to navigate the remainder of the trade period and address their long-term list management goals.
What’s Next?
The trade between Carlton and Hawthorn is expected to have a domino effect on other clubs’ trade strategies, particularly those involving key players like Tom Barrass and Liam Baker. Clubs may need to reassess their approaches as the landscape evolves in the lead-up to the draft.
Stay tuned for more updates on AFL trade news and draft developments. What are your thoughts on this significant pick swap between Carlton and Hawthorn?
