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BRYCE Gibbs is a Crow after Carlton and Adelaide put a last-minute misunderstanding on Wednesday behind them to finally sign off on a deal that's been more than a year in the making.

Adelaide and Carlton had danced around the issue of whether they would again explore a deal for Gibbs this trade period after their 2016 trade talks ground to an acrimonious stand-off.

They looked to have finalised a trade on Wednesday afternoon before a disagreement over an exchange of future second-round picks saw both sides back away just as they appeared poised to sign the official paperwork.

But on Thursday morning, less than five hours before the 2pm trade deadline, Carlton agreed to trade Gibbs home to Adelaide, with the Blues netting the two first-round picks they sought last year.

The Crows confirmed Gibbs has signed a four-year deal.

Under the deal: 

- Carlton received pick Nos.10, 16, and 73 in this year's draft and the Crows' 2018 second-round pick.

- Adelaide received Gibbs, No.77 and Carlton's 2018 second-round and third-round picks.

The trade is likely to pave the way for Crows speedster Charlie Cameron to get his requested move to the Brisbane Lions.

The Lions have offered Adelaide pick No.20 but the Crows were reluctant to engage in discussions until they knew whether they could bring in an experienced player to offset the loss of Cameron and the earlier departure of Jake Lever to Melbourne.

Those talks are now expected to commence in earnest.

Gibbs, 28, will bolster the Crows' midfield as they aim to avenge their 2017 Grand Final loss next season.

"This deal presents much better value compared to what was first discussed 12 months ago with the return of future draft picks from Carlton in what we consider a very strong draft a key component for us," Reid said.

"To be able to bring in an A-grade midfielder and improve our position for next year’s draft is a great result for our club.

"Bryce is not only a quality player, but a quality person as well and he will have an immediate impact on our playing group both on and off the field."

The Blues' 2014 best and fairest winner will leave a sizeable hole in Brendon Bolton's midfield, but the deal should help the Carlton complete trades for young midfielders Matthew Kennedy (Greater Western Sydney) and Darcy Lang (Geelong).  

Gibbs was 2006's No.1 draft pick. In 11 seasons with the Blues, he played 231 games and kicked 137 goals.

The South Australian has also been remarkably durable, playing at least 21 games in every season bar 2015 when injury limited him to 10 games.

Gibbs sought a move home to South Australia last year because he wanted to be closer to family and friends after starting a family with his partner Lauren.

"We feel we have reached a deal that is in the best interests of the Carlton Football Club and in doing so, Bryce returns to his home state," Silvagni said.

"We now currently hold picks 3, 10 and 16 which was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up as a side continuing to build its depth.

"We wish Bryce, fiancée Lauren and their son Charlie all the best for their future endeavours."

 

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