New Carlton forward Will Hayward has provided an insight into the frantic deadline day trade that went through, all the while he was enjoying a trip in South America.

A move that began 12 months earlier but was halted when Hayward re-signed for five years at Sydney, the Blues came knocking again as the crafty forward's door once they saw an opportunity to move on from Charlie Curnow.

The two-time Coleman Medallist had made it clear that he was keen for a lifestyle change, and had flagged the Geelong, Gold Coast and the Swans as his preferred destinations; only the latter had a realistic chance of getting a deal done.

Hayward revealed that he came extremely close to joining the Blues as a free agent, but after a second grand final loss in three years, he opted to remain in New South Wales.

Will Hayward's first day at Carlton. Credit: Carlton FC
Will Hayward's first day at Carlton. Credit: Carlton FC

"I think last year, during my free agency, I was actually really close to joining the club," Hayward told Carlton Media.

"I remember walking out of a couple of meetings with Mick Agresta and Michael Voss, and after re-signing with Swans, I said, If it doesn't work out, this is probably the only other club I want to play for.

"It's funny how it happens."

The trade between Sydney and Carlton went down to the final minutes of the 7:30 pm (AEDT) deadline, with fears it may not be struck.

But once the hands of all powerbrokers shook, which saw Hayward along with three of the Swans' first-round selections in exchange for Curnow and Picks 31, 42 and the Blues' 2027 second-round pick, the 27-year-old could breathe a sigh of relief.

Oliver Florent and Will Hayward in the Navy Blue. Credit: Carlton FC
Oliver Florent and Will Hayward in the Navy Blue. Credit: Carlton FC

"It was pretty chaotic," Hayward added.

"So grateful the deal got done in the end. It was down to the wire, which I didn't expect it to be.

"I think with 10 minutes to go with my manager, saying, 'you need to get this deal done' because I felt like, although the deal hadn't gone through (yet), I was fully committed to joining the Blues.

"Thank God it did."

Hayward will don the Navy Blue alongside great mate and fellow 2016 draftee Oliver Florent, who was traded five hours earlier on trade deadline day for a future third-round pick.