Carlton to trade Zach Tuohy to Geelong for Billie Smedts

UPDATE: AFTER asking for Nakia Cockatoo and Darcy Lang, Carlton will welcome Billie Smedts in a trade that sends dashing Irish defender Zach Tuohy to Geelong.

AFTER bids for Nakia Cockatoo and Darcy Lang were knocked back, Carlton has welcomed Billie Smedts in a trade that sends dashing Irish defender Zach Tuohy to Geelong.

The Blues and Cats have lodged paperwork for a deal that also involves a swap of future draft picks.

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The Blues have sent Tuohy and a future second-round draft pick to Geelong in exchange for Smedts, a future first-round pick and this year’s fourth-round selection (currently pick 63).

Geelong recruiting boss Stephen Wells confirmed the deal late on Wednesday afternoon.

Interestingly, Smedts has played 5 games in 2 years. Tuohy hasn't missed one in 4 years. Blues wanted Lang, Cockatoo. Settled on Smedts

— Sam Edmund (@SammyHeraldSun) October 19, 2016

Wells said he had received permission from the AFL to trade next year’s first-round pick after the Cats traded their 2016 Round 1 selection last year to Carlton as part of the deal for Lachie Henderson.

Trade rules are designed to prevent clubs trading away too many future first-round selections.

“I must admit, there was a perception here myself that a deal like this couldn’t be done, but we did check with the AFL,” Wells said on Trade Radio.

Zach Tuohy is heading to Geelong. Picture: Michael Klein

Billie Smedts will restart his career at Carlton. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Tuohy has played 120 matches and has not missed a game since Round 1, 2013.

He is a booming kick and will provide run off half-back with the Cats set to miss out on Richmond’s Brett Deledio.

Smedts is an unfulfilled talent, playing just 38 games — including one this season — since being recruited with pick 15 in the 2010 draft.

The Cats will have a new-look team next year with Jimmy Bartel today joining Corey Enright in retirement.

Josh Caddy remains a chance to join Richmond before Thursday’s 2pm trade deadline.

Carlton will try to finalise a deal for GWS defender Caleb Marchbank that might also include his Giants teammate Jarrod Pickett.