Carlton's freshly acquired Tom De Koning replacement, Liam Reidy, has pulled back the curtain on what led to his decision to request a trade out of Fremantle, and why he chose the Blues as his new home.
The 25-year-old ruckman has been in search of greater senior opportunities, having played just three games in the top flight since being selected in the 2022 rookie draft, despite impressive form in the WAFL, where he averaged 16 disposals and 41 hitouts across 17 games in 2025 for Peel Thunder.
As a result, Reidy claimed Peel's best-and-fairest award, the Tuckey Medal.
While speaking on AFL Trade Radio on Tuesday, Reidy revealed that mounting frustrations from his limited opportunity behind Fremantle's elite tandem of talls in Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy played a significant factor in his decision to request a trade.
"It has been a little frustrating to be honest, being stuck behind the two big boys," Reidy said.
"It had it's ups and downs. I'm really excited now to be with the Blues and motivated to play senior footy again."
Reidy said he and the Blues had shown interest in each other well before he put in his official trade request with the Dockers, with the parties agreeing on a future together in late July.
"I was chatting to them for a while and around Round 21 I reckon we chatted and made the call," Reidy said.
"It's been a pleasure to speak to [Carlton Head of List Management] Nick Austin and Michael Voss. I'm really looking forward to playing for Carlton."
Joining Reidy on his move to Carlton are Picks 53 and 71, while Fremantle will receive Picks 50 and 68 in return.
