In a significant move ahead of the upcoming AFL Draft, Carlton Football Club has successfully acquired pick No.3 through a complex three-club trade involving the West Coast Eagles and Richmond Football Club. The deal, approved on Tuesday morning, is set to have major implications for all clubs involved and has sparked widespread reactions across the AFL community.
Trade Details
The intricacies of the trade are as follows:
Carlton Receives:
- Picks: No.3, 63, and 68
- Gives Up: Picks No.12, 14, and 73; Matt Owies.
West Coast Receives:
- Players: Liam Baker (from Richmond), Matt Owies (from Carlton)
- Picks: No.12 and 73
- Gives Up: Picks No.3, 63, and 68
Richmond Receives:
- Pick: No.14
- Gives Up: Liam Baker
Player Movements
Liam Baker Joins West Coast
Former Richmond vice-captain Liam Baker has signed a five-year deal with the Eagles. Baker, a two-time premiership player, brings versatility and experience to West Coast after 128 games over seven seasons with the Tigers.
West Coast’s List Manager Matt Clarke expressed excitement about securing Baker:
“We are delighted to get a deal done for Liam, and we believe he can make an immediate impact for us in 2025 and in the years ahead. He is an outstanding character in the prime of his career who has a strong relationship with our new coach Andrew McQualter, and he is eager to get to work. Liam’s skill and dynamic playing style make him a valuable asset for us as we embed a new game style.”
Matt Owies Heads West
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUG 18: Matthew Owies of the Blues celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 23 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Carlton Blues at Optus Stadium on August 18, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Uncontracted Carlton forward Matt Owies has penned a three-year contract with the Eagles. The 27-year-old has played 72 games for the Blues, kicking 60 goals over the past two seasons, including 33 goals in 2024.
Matt Clarke commented on Owies’ acquisition:
“It’s exciting to bring Matt across to the west after two really strong seasons for Carlton. Matt is a proven goal kicker who brings pressure at ground level, and we think he can complement our talented forward line.”
Carlton’s Strategic Gain
By securing pick No.3, Carlton is now in a prime position to select one of the best young talents in the country. Potential draftees include midfielders Jagga Smith, Sam Lalor, Harvey Langford, and Finn O’Sullivan—the cousin of Carlton star Sam Walsh.
Additionally, the Blues have acquired picks No.63 and 68 from West Coast, which will assist them in matching bids on father-son duo Ben and Lucas Camporeale during the draft.
West Coast’s Draft Position
The Eagles have moved down nine spots in the draft, now holding pick No.12. There is speculation that they may target top Western Australian prospect Bo Allan from Peel Thunder, who impressed at the recent combine.
Reactions and Criticism
The trade has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from West Coast fans who are concerned about trading away a top-three pick. Many believe the club could have secured Baker and Owies through free agency or less costly means.
AFL commentator and incoming Seven analyst Kane Cornes was notably critical:
“Every animal known to man is coming and just picking it off. The Eagles are the wildebeest on the ground, and every other club—17 of them—are just picking them off. I’m trying to work out what I’m missing here. Baker could have gone to them for free if they just had a slight hard edge… they could have got a better deal for pick three.”
The Genesis of the Deal
The groundwork for this trade was laid when Carlton traded their 2025 first- and second-round picks to Hawthorn in exchange for pick No.14. The Blues then packaged pick No.14 with their own pick No.12 and offered them to West Coast in exchange for pick No.3.
West Coast was compelled to get creative after Hawthorn unexpectedly traded pick No.14 to Carlton, disrupting the Eagles’ initial plans to use that pick in a deal for Baker. With Fremantle also expressing interest in Baker and Richmond’s Shai Bolton, West Coast acted swiftly to secure their desired players.
Richmond’s Position
Richmond receives pick No.14 in exchange for Liam Baker, which they can use to target emerging talent in the draft as they look to rebuild and strengthen their squad.
Implications for Other Clubs
The trade has potential ripple effects:
- Hawthorn had shown interest in West Coast defender Tom Barrass, but the Eagles had baulked at offers centered around pick No.14.
- Fremantle had tabled offers involving picks 10, 11, and 18 for Baker and Bolton, but West Coast’s decisive move may alter their strategy.
Conclusion
This blockbuster trade reshapes the draft landscape for all clubs involved:
- Carlton enhances their draft position, aiming to secure elite young talent and support their father-son prospects.
- West Coast acquires experienced players to bolster their squad immediately while retaining a first-round pick.
- Richmond gains a valuable pick to aid in their rebuilding efforts.
As the AFL Trade Period progresses, it remains to be seen how this deal will influence other trades and the strategies of rival clubs.
Stay tuned for more updates on AFL trade news and draft developments. What are your thoughts on this three-club trade? Share your opinions in the comments below!
