Essendon Football Club has secured pick 5, pick 24 and midfielder Craig Bird as part of a three-way club trade with St Kilda and Sydney.

The complicated deal will see St Kilda exchange pick 24 for pick 14 with Sydney. Sydney trade Craig Bird and pick 24 to Essendon in exchange for picks 23 and 44. Essendon trade Jake Carlisle to St Kilda in exchange for pick 5. 

List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said the trade further strengthens the Club's position at next month's National Draft.

"We're extremely pleased with the outcome of this deal, to be able to pair pick 5, which will become a terrific young talent with our current pick 4 is fantastic for our football Club," Dodoro said.

"We now have four selections inside the top 25 which will allows us to add some exciting young talent to our list.

"The deal also means Jake gets to St Kilda which was his desired destination, we'd like to thank him for his time at the Club, and we wish him all the best for the next chapter in his career."

Dodoro also said the recruitment of Bird is a great addition to the Club’s midfield group.

"We're extremely pleased to have secured the services of Craig ahead of next season."

"He brings a wealth of experience, including finals and premiership success."

"Craig will add further depth to our midfield, and we believe he will play a key role for our football Club in 2016."

IN: Pick 5, Pick 24 and Craig Bird 

OUT: Pick 23, Pick 44 and Jake Carlisle