West Coast Eagles trade out former first-round pick Campbell Chesser to Carlton Blues

The stop-start West Coast career of former first-round pick and highly-rated wingman Campbell Chesser is officially over.

The 22-year-old joined the Blues in a straightforward trade on Friday, with the Eagles securing a late second-round pick (currently 41).

That selection, tied to Brisbane, is expected to slip further back further as clubs match bids on academy and father-son selections.

Chesser joins Carlton after rejecting a two-year deal to stay at West Coast, opting to return to Victoria after 36 games across four seasons after he was drafted with pick No.14 in 2021.

His short time out west was plagued with injuries including missing his entire first year with a serious ankle injury, while he played only four games this season after further surgery on the troublesome injury.

However, the Sandringham product impressed late in the year including recording a career-high 22 disposals against the Western Bulldogs in round 23 which was enough to convince West Coast to offer him a two-year extension.

Chesser turned it down though, and instead requested a move to the Blues to continue his career.

Carlton head of list management Nick Austin said they were excited to add some pace and agility to the midfield group.

“The club is very optimistic about the future of Campbell at Carlton. Overcoming an ankle injury late in the year, the form he displayed at the end of the season showed us he has the quality and class to perform at the elite level,” Austin said.

“With explosive speed and endurance, his outside run is a clear standout in his game, with the ability to quickly transition to both ends of the ground – all traits that will perfectly complement our side.

“We think he will have a lot to learn from our established midfield group, led by our leaders Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh, and we look forward to seeing them take Campbell under their wing and he gets to work from day one of pre-season.”

It continues an active trade period for West Coast, who have three picks inside the first round of this year’s draft as well as a plethora of later picks — currently 34, 38, 41, 53 and 58.

“We are disappointed to lose Campbell after investing four years into his development, but he expressed his desire to return to Victoria and we wish him well,” Eagles list boss Matt Clarke said.

“Adding another second-round draft pick adds to our already strong hand in this year’s draft and provides us with more flexibility and options.”

They are set to use those to match any potential bids on their talented next generation academy prospects in Tylah Williams, Koby Evans and Wes Walley as well as father-son hopeful Charlie Banfield.