Carlton Blues sign GWS Giants pair Kristian Jaksch, Mark Whiley and pick No. 19 for pick No. 7

IT was the dodgy phone that delayed a trade and kept Carlton supporters waiting.

NEW CARLTON PLAYERS left to right Kristian Jacksch Mick Malthouse & Mark Whiley Picture:Wayne Ludbey

IT was the dodgy phone that delayed a trade and kept Carlton supporters waiting.

For the past week the Blues have been trying to do a deal with Greater Western Sydney for versatile key-position player Kristian Jaksch and hard-nut midfielder Mark Whiley.

But with Whiley holidaying in Mexico, and with his phone struggling to take incoming calls, the trade was in a holding pattern.

It wasn’t until Whiley — touted as the “Anthony Miles of 2015” — returned to Australia earlier this week that a deal could finally be secured.

The two young Giants and pick 19 were yesterday confirmed to Carlton, with the Giants receiving the Blues’ pick 7.

“My phone is pretty shonky, especially when you are going through airports,” Whiley said. “That’s why it sort of took longer than it was meant to.

“I just waited until I came back to Australia to make a decision. I’m rapt to be at Carlton now and can’t wait to get into it.”

Jaksch admitted it had been “a pretty surreal” time, waiting for the trade to go through, but was excited by the opportunity Carlton had provided.

“Now that it has happened, I can sit back and really enjoy the excitement of it.,” Jaksch said.

“I met with Mick (Malthouse) and was really impressed with him and with the direction the club was going in. I’m back home living with mum and dad in Hawthorn.

“I can’t speak highly enough of what GWS did for me, but coming back here was the better thing for my life and my footy.”

The Blues are delighted to pick up two ready-made players to the group, particularly Jaksch who they almost drafted two years ago before opting for Troy Menzel.

“They are both young men who come with a couple of years’ experience in an AFL club,” director of coaching and development Robert Wiley said.

“Both players fit the bill which we think will be vital for us in terms of their positions.

“We thought it was important for us to get a key position player who can play at both ends, and also a midfielder to add to our depth.”

Both have tenuous Carlton connections. Jaksch’s mother’s family has three generations of Blues’ fans among them, though he used to barrack for Richmond.

And Whiley, who hails from Shane Crawford’s hometown of Finley, was a Blues’ fan when growing up.

Jaksch, 20, can play at either ends. Having played seven games for the Giants — including five this year — he doesn’t care whether he plays forward or back.

And Whiley, 22 in December, has played 12 games in three seasons, tagging the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Gary Ablett, Dan Hannebery and Nat Fyfe in that time.