“One of the all-time trades for the Blues”: Cornes reacts to mooted Carlton-West Coast pick-swap

Kane Cornes believes Carlton landing pick three from West Coast will see them finish as one of the winners of the trade period.

The mooted deal which could go through on Tuesday sees the Blues handing over picks 12, 14 and forward Matt Owies for three. It will allow the Eagles to get the Liam Baker trade done while still being able to hit the draft.

Carlton acquired pick 14 for their future first-round and future second-round picks via Hawthorn, essentially meaning they gave up the above plus 12 and Owies to move to the top of the draft board in what is touted as an incredible draft class.

Cornes says Blues fans should be jubilant about the deal.

“These trades need to go through one further layer of security to stop clubs from doing stupid things like West Coast trading pick three for Baker, Owies and 12,” Cornes told AFL Trade Radio.

“This is one of the all-time trades for the Blues. 12, 14 and Owies for pick three. This is amazing.

“They’ve worked their way to pick three, the highest pick they’ve had since Sam Walsh. Carlton fans are doing cartwheels right now.

“I love what they’ve done the Blues. It’s pretty hard to stuff up pick three in what they tell me is a super draft.”

It would also confirm Carlton’s exit from Dan Houston discussions, despite entering the trade period as the favourites for the dual All-Australian.

Cornes however likes how the Blues have stuck to their guns and refused to overpay for the half back flanker.

“I love what they’ve done. All it was about was ‘we’re going to the draft’ and you go okay. Now they’ve worked their way to pick three. You could get the next Chris Judd or Christian Petracca at pick three. That’s the level pick three can be,” he said.

“Provided their list is healthy, they’re still going to be hard to beat and with pick three you’re more likely to find somebody who can impact immediately like a Will Ashcroft type.

“Those high-end elite juniors that are ready to go are more likely to help you.

“So Carlton for me as it’s shaping win the trade period along with Richmond.”