The 2023 AFL season was quite the rollercoaster. From the roaring successes for several sides to the drastic underachievement of others, it was been one to remember. It had been a long time since there's been a finals race so close towards the end of the season, and it proved to be one of the most entertaining in recent memory.

For clubs who missed the eight, looking towards the trade period and the draft was the next step. Similarly, those in the eight were already be on the lookout for ways to improve their lists and make the jump to premiership glory.

The trade period can be such an advantageous time of year for any club, however, most moves usually don't work out for both sides. It's common for a side to end up with something better than the other in trades - especially regarding picks - but have there been trades where both clubs come off as beneficiaries?

We put together a list of nine trades that worked out for all those involved.

5. 2017 - Carlton and GWS land key talls as Dogs gain a classy winger

This one involved multiple moves, with all parties involved getting plenty in return from their dealings.

The Blues gained Picks 28 and 30 from the Bulldogs at the end of the 2017 season. In return, the Dogs were given Picks 16 and 40. With Pick 16, the Dogs drafted defender-turned-winger Ed Richards, who has been a consistent player his entire tenure at the club. He has played 102 games for the club and remains a staple on the wing under Luke Beveridge. He is regularly touted as one of the better wingers in the competition in 2023, however, can move into midfield when needed.

Additionally, Pick 40 was traded from the Dogs to the Lions which acquired tall forward Josh Schache. Schache unfortunately wasn't able to find consistent form for the side, even being trialled as a defender for a stint before being moved on to Melbourne at the end of 2022. The forward has still not been able to find any form at AFL level despite being at his third club.

With Pick 30, the Blues drafted recently re-signed ruck/forward Tom De Koning. The tall was under much trade speculation throughout 2023 and was in hot demand from multiple clubs. The Blues were ready to re-sign the 24-year-old after he showed his talents as a genuine sole ruckman. The young talent has also proven his ability in playing as a forward when needed also, but his true skill lies as a ruckman for the club.

Pick 28 worked out for both Carlton and GWS. The Blues traded the pick to the Giants and in return, picked up midfielder Matthew Kennedy. Since moving to the Blues, Kennedy has played 73 games and has featured in the Blues side during their impressive 2023 run. The 26-year-old has impressed in midfield alongside stars Patrick Cripps and Adam Cerra.

The Giants got plenty out of Pick 28 as they drafted key defender Sam Taylor. Despite injuries clouding the defender's season in 2023, he has proven his quality throughout his career. Making the All-Australian team in 2022 and on track for a 2023 selection, Taylor has solidified himself as one of the best defenders in the competition. Carlton would be grateful for Kennedy but most definitely ask the 'what if?' question around Taylor.