CARLTON has added scoring power to its forward line while also strengthening its midfield and backline during the 2018 NAB AFL Trade Period.

In total, four new players will call Ikon Park home in 2019 after the Blues completed five deals across the course of the eight-day trade window (including the free agency period).

Carlton secured high-flying forward Mitch McGovern in a three-way deal involving Adelaide and Sydney, while also acquiring unrestricted free agent Alex Fasolo from Collingwood.

The combination of obtaining a key-position player and a small forward will benefit Carlton’s attack, offering more avenues to goal as the Blues look to build around developing forwards Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Tom De Koning.

After nominating Carlton as his club of choice, midfielder Will Setterfield made his way to Ikon Park from GWS on Friday afternoon. The 2016 No.5 draft pick looks set to add another layer of depth to the Club’s emerging midfield alongside newly appointed co-captain Patrick Cripps, Marc Murphy, rising star Paddy Dow and Zac Fisher.

Mature-age defender Nic Newman will swap red and white for navy blue next year after arriving from the Swans, providing flexibility to the Blues’ defensive unit. Having spent the past four seasons at Sydney, Newman played the last eight games of the year, including the elimination final against the Giants.

In addition to four new players, Carlton also received a future third-round selection from Adelaide to enhance its position in the draft next year.

General Manager of List Management and Strategy Stephen Silvagni said the 2018 trade period had proved successful for the Blues.

“For the past three years we’ve really strengthened our position in the lead-up to the draft and that’s enabled us to bring in some terrific young talent. However, we’ve now moved into the next phase of our development and this year was about recruiting quality players in that 23- to 27-year age bracket,” Silvagni said.

“Mitch, Alex and Nic all fit that profile and we believe they’ll give us a spike in 2019. They’re experienced players with mature bodies who will complement our developing players and help create some stability across a number of different positions on the ground.

“Will on the other hand is a player we liked in the draft a few years ago – he’s a tall midfielder who can play both inside and out and we think he could become a long-term player for our football club.

“Lastly, Nic was a player that came across a little later in the trade period, but he’s a half-back flanker who can pinch-hit on the wing and will again provide us with some depth in our backline.”

“Overall, out list under the age of 22 is quite exciting and now we’ve been able to add some maturity to our list, so we think this will hold us in good stead for next year and it’s an exciting time for the Club.”

Although clubs now have the ability to trade picks until the end of the draft, Silvagni said he’s doubtful the Club will be active in this space.

“We really haven’t got a lot of picks to trade, it’s one and then some back-end picks. In saying that, you don’t know what can come across the table but I don’t think we’ll be too active,” he said.

The 2018 NAB AFL draft will be held over two nights at Marvel Stadium on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 of November, with Carlton holding picks Nos.1, 69, 71 and 77.

THE TRADES:

Trade 1: Carlton received pick No.43 from Geelong in exchange for its access to SANFL forward Nathan Kreuger (pre-listed state-league player). 

Trade 2: The Blues acquired Mitch Govern and a future third-round pick from the Crows. Carlton sent its future fifth-round pick and its access to pre-listed state-league player Shane McAdam to Adelaide, while sending pick Nos.24 and 26 to Sydney. Adelaide secured Sydney’s first-round pick (No.13) and sent pick No.40 to the Swans.

Trade 3: Carlton secured unrestricted free agent Alex Fasolo from Collingwood, with the Pies receiving pick No.57 from the AFL as compensation.

Trade 4: Pick No.43 (received from Geelong) and a future second-round pick was traded to GWS in exchange for Will Setterfield and pick No.71.

Trade 5: Carlton sends its future fourth-round pick in exchange for Nic Newman.

WHAT IT MEANS:

In:

Mitch McGovern (Adelaide)
Alex Fasolo (Collingwood)
Will Setterfield (GWS)
Nic Newman (Sydney)
Pick No.71 (GWS)
Future third-round pick (Adelaide)

Out:

Access to state-league recruit Nathan Kreuger (Geelong)
Access to state-league recruit Shane McAdam (Adelaide)
Pick Nos.26 and 28 (Sydney)
Future fifth-round pick (Adelaide)
Future fourth-round pick

Visit Carlton's Trade & Draft Hub for more content