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AFL trade news: Blues reportedly preparing for busy off-season

It seems Carlton will be active in the player market once again.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Carlton are set for another active off-season according to Triple M reporter Tom Browne, with the Blues keeping an eye on some key names for the upcoming off-season.

As per Browne's report, out-of-contract and in-demand Dockers onballer Adam Cerra remains in the sights of the Blues, with restricted free agent and Swans utility George Hewett also being linked to the club.

Cerra has been coveted by a number of Victorian clubs as reports insist the gun midfielder will look to return to his home state come the end of his contract.

The Blues are joined by Richmond and Hawthorn in showing persistent interest in the 21-year-old, who is expected to demand close to $750,000-per-season.

Carlton are reportedly battling to accomodate the funds to acquire the Eastern Ranges product, with a new deal for star midfielder Sam Walsh seen as a priority.

Hewett is also off-contract this season and is one of just four restricted free agents remaining, joining the likes of Giants superstar Josh Kelly, Saints midfielder Jack Billings and Adelaide ball-magnet Matt Crouch.

The 25-year-old is yet to extend his stay in the Harbour City past this season, and was reportedly placed on the market during last year's exchange period.

Speaking on Triple MBrowne stated the Blues are looking at Cerra and Hewett as potential targets for this off-season.

"The Blues are definitely still targeting Cerra, who wants out of Fremantle," Brown said.

"He hasn't confirmed that yet but I think you'll find he does.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Adam Cerra of the Dockers celebrates after scoring a goal during the round five AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on April 21, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

"Also George Hewett from the Swans."

Browne continued to suggest the Blues will need to open salary space should they look to bolster their list for 2022.

The club are yet to sign duo Sam Petrevski-Seton and Jack Silvagni to new deals past this season, with the former understood to be gaining interest from Fremantle.

The pair join in-form midfielder Paddy Dow in reportedly being options to open salary room at Ikon Park.

According to Browne however, Dow and Silvagni have been offered new deals, which are understood to have been below expectations.

"It means the Blues will have to clear some salary space," Brown added.

"The names that are being mentioned are (Sam) Petrevski-Seton, (Paddy) Dow and Jack Silvagni.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Paddy Dow of the Blues celebrates a goal with Levi Casboult during the 2021 AFL Round 01 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 18, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"Dow and Silvagni have offers to stay next year, but my information is those offers aren't as attractive as perhaps what they're worth or what some other clubs may see them.

"Those names will be discussed in the trade period.

"Jack Silvagni has been in good form, so I wouldn't be surprised of some clubs come after him or at least sound him out, as they will Dow."

The Blues currently have a bevy of names unsigned for the 2022 season, including Eddie Betts, Matthew Kennedy, Marc Pittonet, Marc Murphy, Nic Newman, Lochie O'Brien and Matt Owies among others.

Betts is understood to be nearing a new one-year deal with the Blues however, whole O'Brien will need to impress the Blues in order to gain a new deal past 2021.

Published by
Mitch Keating