THESE weren't necessarily the players who left you gushing about your team's 2019 hopes after last year's NAB AFL Trade Period.

Yet, in hindsight, you probably should have been.

AFL.com.au has ranked the top 10 bargains from the 2018 trade table, judging them purely on this season's output. 

10. Will Setterfield

Carlton, from Greater Western Sydney
Key stats: 15 games, 17.3 disposals, 3.1 inside 50s, 284.8 metres gained, 3.1 tackles 

The No.5 choice in the 2016 draft narrowly qualified for our criteria, after the Blues parted with a third-round selection and a future second-round pick. Setterfield is still making his way in the AFL, but is proving a versatile addition to the blossoming Blues line-up. Has the height to be a marking target up forward and is athletic enough to go through the middle as well, and the utility life might be his lot.

4. Nic Newman

Carlton, via Sydney
Key stats: 17 games, 21.8 disposals, 7.1 marks, 1.7 intercept marks, 492.2 metres gained

This ex-Swan, who was keen to return to Victoria for more senior opportunities, has become one of Carlton's kick-in specialists and is also adept at cutting off opposition forays. With Sam Docherty again on the shelf because of a second knee reconstruction, the Blues were desperate to find someone who could provide drive from defence. In Newman, they got their wish (for a future fourth-round selection). He ranks ninth in the competition for average metres gained.