As the AFL’s trade games begin, here’s a wrap up of what’s being said about the Blues:
AFL.com.au
Howlett in demand
Carlton and Fremantle are both in the running to sign out-of-contract Essendon midfielder Ben Howlett.
As reported by AFL.com.au on Sunday, the Bombers have upped their offer to the 25-year-old as they try to retain their key on-baller.
Saints' pick No.1
Talks around St Kilda's coveted No.1 draft pick stalled over the weekend and AFL.com.au understands the club is yet to field any firm offers from rival clubs.
The Saints remain keen on Greater Western Sydney youngsters Kristian Jaksch and Jono O'Rourke, but it is understood they want to keep any trade negotiations around the GWS pair separate from talks on the No.1 pick.
Carlton has firmed as the frontrunner to secure versatile key-position player Jaksch after losing tall forward Jarrad Waite on the opening day of the free agency period.
Blue could return home
The Eagles could look to meet with Carlton midfielder Kane Lucas in the opening week of the trade period, with the 2009 first-round draft pick out of contract and exploring opportunities.
AFL.com.au understands the Eagles have only mild interest in the 23-year-old Blue and are unlikely to pursue delisted Geelong midfielder George Burbury or Carlton small forward Jeff Garlett, who has been linked to a move home to Western Australia.
Herald Sun
CARLTON: Has its sights set on Liam Jones and Kristian Jaksch after losing Jarrad Waite to North Melbourne on Friday. The club is confident of securing Jones with its third round selection and also has interest in Jones’ teammate Jason Tutt.
However, the AFL has thrown a spanner in the works after offering the Blues no compensation for Waite.
The Blues are frantically trying to find a way to get Jaksch, who is keen on joining them, but they may need a third party to lure to get the deal done.
Kane Lucas remains without a contract and is looking for another home, but recruiting manager Shane Rogers hinted the 23-year-old could stay at the Blues if a trade is not secured.
“Kane’s looking for opportunities, he’s not 100 per cent on the trade table but he is out of contract,” Rogers told Trade Radio.
The Blues are keen to off-load Jeff Garlett and Mitch Robinson. Stopped chasing Sydney’s Tom Mitchell.
The Age
It is believed the decision not to award Carlton an extra pick could hamper its ability to do deal with Greater Western Sydney for Kristian Jaksch, the No.12 pick in the 2012 draft who could help cover the loss of Waite.
The Blues don't want to give up their No.6 pick, but also concede that their second-round selection (26) won't satisfy the Giants, and could yet engage a third party to help with a deal for Jaksch, who has signalled he wants to play under Mick Malthouse.
Western Bulldogs key forward Liam Jones is another player on the Blues' recruiting radar who could replace Waite.
