Blake Acres has joined Carlton ahead of the 2023 season after being traded from Fremantle.
The Blues, who will receive Acres, have parted with a future third-round pick, according to AFL.com.au.
Carlton have been keen to add some strength to their wing, assisting Sam Walsh in that space.
JUST IN: Blake Acres is officially a Blue! 🔵#9WWOS #AFLTrade pic.twitter.com/IL6tf2rnWd
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) October 4, 2022
Trialing the likes of Lochie O'Brien, Matthew Cottrell and Will Setterfield through the wing, the Blues were unable to lock down that position and will now have the Docker at their disposal.
Acres will join his third AFL club, leaving St Kilda at the end of 2019.
The 26-year-old played 75 games for the Saints once after being taken with pick 19 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.
Since, Acres has added another 45 games, including 38 in the past two years and was a key component to Fremantle's revival into finals contention.
During 2022, the wingman was playing inspired football and was included in the initial All-Australian squad conversations, before a hamstring injury derailed his year.
Averaging 22 touches and six marks a game, Acres has developed into a strong outside player with the ability to win his own ball, relying on his gut-running and smarts to get him in the right position.
Acres can't wait to join the Carlton group and get stuck into work ahead of the 2023 season.
“I think it was a really good fit for me and my partner, who is from Victoria,” Acres said.
“I’m pumped to be on board and I’m stoked it got done really early as well so I don’t have to worry over the next few weeks.”
“I had a few texts from [Cerra], checking in with him to see how he was going: he said he’d be pumped if I came to Carlton next season.
“I had a few conversations with ‘Crippa’ as well and a few of the other guys there. I know a few of them and they’re all good fellas so I’ll be able to fit in straight away."
Blues list manager Nick Austin is excited by what Acres will add to the club.
"Blake brings valuable experience to our side, particularly in an area of the ground we think can help us take the next step,” Austin said.
“His ability to perform in the most high-pressure games this year was a real strength of his, and he adds to the demographic of players we are looking to build together as they approach the central phase of their careers.
“We’re rapt to welcome Blake to the Blues and can’t wait to see him get to work over the summer.”
