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AFTER a failed attempt last year, Bryce Gibbs was the one who instigated his trade to Adelaide, according to Carlton list manager Stephen Silvagni.  

With the Crows declaring early in the NAB AFL Trade Period they had moved on from trying to lure the Blues star midfielder back to his home state, that didn't stop the 2017 Grand Finalist from completing a deal on Thursday that netted Carlton two first-round picks in November's draft.  

Silvagni revealed a call from Gibbs' management recommenced discussions, and, after ratifying the decision with coach Brendon Bolton, the Blues agreed to a trade.  

"We've got a list management group and a number of things are discussed throughout the year, and, going into this Trade Period, we still thought Bryce was going to be a Carlton player," Silvagni told RSN.  

"Right on a week ago Bryce's management group contacted me and suggested (Adelaide list manager) Justin Reid and myself get together for a chat but nothing really came of it.  

"It wasn't really until 48 hours ago when things started to escalate."  

Asked if the Blues' development could be stunted by losing such an important player in a young side, Silvagni said Bolton was fully on board with decision.  

While Gibbs' departure will weaken the club's midfield, the acquisitions of midfielders Matthew Kennedy (from GWS) and Darcy Lang (from Geelong) will be a positive for the third-year coach.  

"From a coaches' point of view, they never like losing good players but when we all sat down and looked at the deal, it was actually going to help our future and list build for sustained success," Silvagni said.  

"The Trade Period is always a difficult time for clubs and players involved, but I think we've put ourselves in a good position and to attack the draft (with picks three, 10 and 30)."  

Heading into the NAB AFL Draft with such a strong hand, Silvagni said the club was looking to strengthen its midfield and attack.  

One of prime midfield prospects Cameron Rayner, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Adam Cerra and Paddy Dow will be around at pick three, while forwards Darcy Fogarty, Jarrod Brander and Jaidyn Stephenson could be available at pick 10.  

"With those early picks, we're in agreeance we really need to bring the best players through the door," he said.  

"We've certainly got a number on midfielders in that mix, and a couple of forwards as well."