It’s that time of year again – when rumours run rife and speculation goes into overdrive.
Carlton has already been active in the AFL’s Trade Period, securing Collingwood’s Dale Thomas and trading Shaun Hampson to Richmond in exchange for a second round draft pick. Meanwhile Eddie Betts has left the Blues and gone to Adelaide.
But speculation continues about which other players the Blues are talking to, and which players could be on the trading table. Some of it’s on the money – and some is WAY off the mark!
Players who have been linked to Carlton in the media include James Podsiadly, Paul Chapman, Viv Michie, Alan Didak, Heath Shaw, Daniel Cross, Shane Savage, Sam Docherty and Oscar Judd (ok, so we threw the last one in for good measure, but we’re pretty sure he’ll be a good kick!).
So here’s a summary of what’s being said about Carlton:
“Dale is quick, hard at it, has a real presence about him, and will give us a real variety in positional play.
"He's been successful in being part of a premiership side, part of many finals campaigns, and he brings to us a personality that will blend in very well with our current group.” – Mick Malthouse on signing Dale Thomas.
“Podsiadly is not a high priority for Carlton, which is taking an aggressive approach to both recruiting players from other clubs and making changes to its list by offering players up for trade. Paul Chapman, another delisted Geelong veteran who has a number of suitors, has also been on Carlton's radar.” – Emma Quayle & Jake Niall, The Age.
“Carlton is working with Brisbane on a deal for defender Sam Docherty while Hawk Shane Savage is also on the club's radar.” – Jay Clark & Jon Anderson, Herald Sun.
"He's an interesting one, the Pod - a key forward who's probably got another year or two left.
“He's left Geelong because they're trying to freshen up their list and give a bit more game time to the younger boys.
"He may suit us on a very short-term basis, but again, it's very early stages there so we can't get too enthused at this stage." – Carlton’s GM – Football Opertations Andrew McKay on SEN this morning.
