Popular Carlton AFLW star Sarah Hosking has been traded to arch-rivals Richmond for aย  first-round pick.

The twin sister of Carlton skipper Jess Hosking switched clubs in the first deal of the 2020 AFLW trade and sign period.

Richmond used their AFL competition assistance pick, which was awarded to them after their winless debut season in 2020.

That pick comes in as number 15, which qualifies as pick 9 in the Victorian pool of the draft.

A condition of the selection was that it had to be on-traded and the Tigers wasted no time in making their move.

Hosking has signed on for two years after starting with the Blues back in the original season of AFLW.

Carlton GM of Womenโ€™s Football Ash Brown wished Hosking all the best.

โ€œGiven Sarah was coming out of contract with us, we are pleased to secure such a high draft pick and thank Richmond for being willing to reach a deal that was fair and reasonable for both parties" Brown said in a statement.

โ€œSarah has been a fantastic contributor to the Carlton Football Club over the last four seasons, both on and off the field. She departs the Club with lifelong friendships and we wish her well for her next challenge.โ€

Richmond Head of Womenโ€™s Football Kate Sheahan spoke about the much needed experience Hosking would bring to the Tigers.

โ€œWeโ€™re very excited to have secured a player of Sarahโ€™s calibre and are looking forward to what sheโ€™ll be able to bring to the Club,โ€ Sheahan said.

โ€œSheโ€™s a proven leader and is also coming from a Club that has had recent on-field success and finals experience.

โ€œWe believe sheโ€™ll be a significant addition to our midfield with her athleticism and professionalism, and think sheโ€™ll be a great support to our young midfielders.โ€