SAM DOCHERTY is officially a Carlton player after the Brisbane Lions traded the midfielder for pick No.33 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.

 

With an agreement in place for close to a week, the 20-year-old's move was signed off at AFL House and confirmed on Thursday afternoon.  

 

Docherty, who requested a trade home to Victoria, said he was excited to join the club he supported after two years and 13 games with the Lions.

 

"I can't wait to put the jumper on, it's a dream come true," Docherty said.

 

"Obviously growing up (barracking) for them and now getting here – I can't think of anything better."

 

Docherty becomes the first Lion to officially move during the Gillette AFL Trade Period, with four more deals to be finalised ahead of Friday's 2pm deadline.

 

Recruited with pick No.12 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, Docherty was drafted with the pick the Lions received when Mitch Clark was traded to Melbourne two years ago.  

 

He represents good value for Carlton after impressing in 11 of the Lions' last 14 matches this season.

  

"It's fantastic to pick up a quality player who has been a Carlton supporter all his life," football manager Andrew McKay said.

 

"Sam is someone who will add to our list, to help us improve next year."

 

The Lions are expected to finalise a deal sending Elliot Yeo to West Coast for pick No.28 on Thursday afternoon.

 

Billy Longer is pushing for a trade to St Kilda, Port Adelaide is chasing Jared Polec, while Pat Karnezis could join Collingwood in a straight swap for Jackson Paine.