Mark Whiley Biography

Kristian Jaksch and Mark Whiley are officially Carlton players after the Blues and Greater Western Sydney finally signed off on a trade that has been almost two weeks in the making.

Carlton made key-position player Jaksch its top trade target this year and the Blues got their man on Wednesday when GWS agreed to send him, inside midfielder Whiley and pick No.19 to Visy Park in exchange for pick No.7.

"Securing Kristian was certainly a priority for us this trade period and we're rapt to have got the deal done," Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said.

"We see him as a player who is going to give us another tall marking option, as well as flexibility, given he can play forward and back.

"While he is still developing, we believe he will be a 10-year player for our football club.

"Mark is tough inside midfielder, who is terrific around the stoppages. He will give us more ball-getting capability in the midfield."

Mark Whiley makes his AFL debut for GWS with 9 disposals (5 kicks and 4 handballs), 3 marks and 2 tackles in a 12-point loss to Richmond.