MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 12: Nicola Stevens of the Magpies marks the ball during the round six AFL Women's match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Olympic Park on March 12, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Collingwood have traded All-Australian key defender Nicola Stevens to Carlton in exchange for three high draft picks.
Stevens averaged 9.6 disposals, 3.3 marks and 3.1 tackles in her seven games for the Magpies during the opening AFLW season, which saw her earn a spot in the All-Australian backline.
The 24-year-old was taken with pick six in the inaugural AFLW National Draft, and was crowned as Collingwood's Best and Fairest.
The Pies have added their round four selection (pick 28) to sweeten the deal, with the Blues sending their first three picks (picks five, 13 and 21) to Collingwood in exchange for Stevens.
“Nicola has established herself as one of the most elite players in the competition, so we’re very pleased to have her join Carlton,” Carlton AFLW coach Damien Keeping said.
“She reads the flight of the ball exceptionally well and marks in contested and uncontested situations.
“Nicola is someone who we feel will add to the culture of the Club both on and off the field.”
The trade period began on Monday and will run through until May 26.