Paige Trudgeon has traded in her navy blue for red, white and black, signing on with St Kilda as part of a four-team trade involving the Saints, Blues, Magpies and Kangaroos.

A key defender with 21 games to her name, the 23-year-old was originally signed as an injury replacement player in 2021 before establishing her place in the line-up the following season to earn Carlton’s Rookie of the Year Award.

In exchange for Trudgeon’s services, the Saints gave pick No. 31 to the Magpies and also inherited pick No. 52 via North Melbourne.

“We’re delighted to welcome Paige to St Kilda,” Executive General Manager of AFLW Tessie McManus said.

“Paige has a lot of promising attributes which we believe will enhance our defensive line, in particular her height at 180cm which is a major advantage in the women’s game.

“Her previous four seasons at Carlton have shown that she certainly belongs at AFLW level and we look forward to seeing what she will be able to do in her new colours.”

Originally taken from Montmorency Football Club, Trudgeon said she was eager to make an impact at her new home in Melbourne’s south.

“I’m thrilled to join St Kilda and am excited to be a part of the club’s journey forward,” Trudgeon said.

“I’m eager to meet all my teammates and can’t wait to get started.”

St Kilda now has picks No. 10, 50, 52 and 70 heading into the 2023 AFLW Draft.

Trade breakdown