Carlton’s recruiting team will take a two-pronged approach to the upcoming trade period and drafts, as the Blues look to build for sustained success.
Last year Carlton was one of the most active clubs over the trade period, securing experienced recruits Dale Thomas, Sam Docherty and Andrejs Everitt. Meanwhile through the draft period the Blues brought in further experience through the addition of Cameron Wood, along with young talent including Patrick Cripps, Nick Holman, Blaine Johnson and Ciaran Sheehan who all made their debut in 2014.
Recruiting manager Shane Rogers says he plans to adopt similar tactics this year.
“We’re trying to build the future of the club and we’re trying to address it in two ways. Firstly via the draft and bringing in young, fresh talent; secondly we’re trying to trade in players in the 21-24 age bracket who can have an impact now,” Rogers said.
The AFL’s Trade Period begins next week and already rumours are rife about who Carlton may pick up. Rogers has confirmed the Blues plan to be active, with Western Bulldog Liam Jones already in their sights.
“Liam wants to come to Carlton, so we now have to work with the Bulldogs to make a deal happen, and there’s a few other players in a similar category,” Rogers said.
“Of course if the price is too high we won’t do the trade and we’ll go to the draft with our picks. We want to set the club up for a long-term future, not provide a short-term fix.”
At 198cm tall, Jones would be a good fit to replace Jarrad Waite in the forward line. Rogers says the 23-year-old has explosive power and is ready “to take the game by the scruff of the neck.”
But Rogers has poured cold water on suggestions Carlton is in the hunt for Sydney’s Tom Mitchell, the son of former Carlton player Barry Mitchell.
“I’ve spoken to Barry and he is a ripping fella, but Tom we haven’t spoken to at all,” Rogers said.
“If he ever does leave Sydney we would be a club that would put our hand up – but he has never indicated and we have never asked.”
Meanwhile Rogers was unable to confirm if there is genuine interest from Brisbane in hard nut Mitch Robinson, but he says several clubs have shown interest in Jeff Garlett.
