INAUGURAL Greater Western Sydney defender Nick Haynes is joining Carlton as an unrestricted free agent after paperwork was lodged on Friday.

As revealed by AFL.com.au earlier this week, Haynes, 32, has signed a one-year deal with the Blues after leaving the Giants at season's end following 211 games for the club.

The defender told AFL.com.au earlier this year he was open to the possibility of leaving the Giants as he faced a battle for a spot.

He adds important depth at the Blues and is likely to provide support for star defender Jacob Weitering.

The Giants will not receive any compensation for the move.

Carlton list boss Nick Austin said the club was excited to add some much-needed depth to the defensive group.

"Nick adds quality to our defensive group, bringing with him valuable experience at the highest level that will complement our back half," Austin said.

"Nick has shown a high amount of resilience throughout his career, which is a testament to his strong worth ethic and his durability is a key asset we are really looking to add to our playing list during the off-season.

"We’ve observed Nick closely this year and he has been clearly dominant at VFL level, we know the professional he is, his drive and proven ability to stand up as a mature player on the big stage, which makes him the perfect fit for our playing group.

"We are excited to see Nick in the Navy Blue next year and see him get to work in preseason with his new teammates.”

Haynes has also shown the ability to play on the wing, but his best season was undoubtedly in 2020, when he was named All-Australian and won the Kevin Sheedy Medal having led the League for intercept marks.

It comes amid an off-season of change at GWS, which made a straight-sets exit from the finals.

Fellow free agents Isaac Cumming (Adelaide) and Harry Perryman (Collingwood) are also leaving the Giants, while James Peatling has requested a trade to Adelaide.

The Blues, meanwhile, struggled into September before losing an elimination final to Brisbane.