AFLW Semi Final 3 - Carlton v Brisbane
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Sarah Hosking of the Blues marks the ball during the AFLW Semi Final match between the Carlton Blues and the Brisbane Lions at Ikon Park on March 22, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Popular Carlton AFLW star Sarah Hosking has been traded to arch-rivals Richmond for a  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 Women’s Football Ash Brown wished Hosking all the best.

“Given 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.

“Sarah 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.”

Richmond Head of Women’s Football Kate Sheahan spoke about the much needed experience Hosking would bring to the Tigers.

“We’re very excited to have secured a player of Sarah’s calibre and are looking forward to what she’ll be able to bring to the Club,” Sheahan said.

“She’s a proven leader and is also coming from a Club that has had recent on-field success and finals experience.

“We believe she’ll be a significant addition to our midfield with her athleticism and professionalism, and think she’ll be a great support to our young midfielders.”