Former Carlton list boss Stephen Silvagni was asked by a caller on AFL Trade Radio about one of the strangest trades during his tenure at the Blues.
Right at the end of the 2016 trade period, the Blues sent GWS’ future second round pick to Hawthorn for picks 48, 66 and 70.
It raised eyebrows at the time in relation to Hawthorn’s dealings with Gold Coast and the Jaeger O’Meara trade.
The Hawks, who offered up pick 10, didn’t appear to have the selections to satisfy the Suns, until Carlton stepped in.
Silvagni and the Blues helped get the deal over the line and did so by sending Hawthorn a future second rounder, but received three lesser picks in return.
As reported on the Hawthorn website a few years after the trade, Carlton “came to the rescue with a last-minute pick exchange” that helped seal the O’Meara trade.
The selection would change hands a few times the following year, ending up pick 35 and with St Kilda after Hawthorn used it to help bring in Jarman Impey from Port Adelaide.
The Saints selected Oscar Clavarino, with the likes of Charlie Constable, Jake Petrucelle, Charlie Ballard, Ben Paton and James Worpel available soon after.
Carlton turned the three picks into Tom Williamson, who has established himself as a best 22 defender and Patrick Kerr – a key forward delisted at the end of 2019. They passed on the third selection.
Silvagni was coy on his reasoning for agreeing to the trade with Hawthorn.
“The Hawthorn trade, it looked a little bit off-centre in terms of that trade,” Silvagni told AFL Trade Radio.
“But I think we ended up getting Tom Williamson (out of the trade).
“It actually ended up pretty well in relation to what the picks were. So, that’s what happened there.”