The manager of uncontracted Carlton forward Matthew Owies has denied the Blues attacker's uncertain future is a result of monetary matters.
Owies remains without a contract for the 2025 season and is yet to have a leading club push for his services this off-season despite a year that earned him a return of 33 goals - the third most at Carlton this year.
The situation has been intriguing, given Owies's value and pedigree as a formidable AFL goalsneak. Carlton is currently putting the 27-year-old's future on the side as it works through current trade plans.
Blues list manager Nick Austin explained the reasoning behind Owies' contract status following a strong year for the former basketball prodigy.
Our front half is going to look a little bit different next year," Austin said on Monday.
"Jack Silvagni missed the whole year, Zac Williams will train as a forward for the first time in his career, and we want to get some games into Ashton Moir as well. We felt like he showed some things later season.
"[We have] a lot of faith in Jesse Motlop and Corey Durdin to come through, they're only 20 and 21 as it is. They've had some injury troubles this year, but we need to create a pathway for those guys to step up and take more responsibility."
A News Corp report revealed rival clubs have indicated Owies' potential asking price to be close to $700,000-$800,000 per season, a figure that has left the forward struggling for suitors. Owies is said to have met with West Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast as he assesses the open market.
His manager, Matt Bain, has told AFL.com.au that "money isn't the driving factor" for Owies as he falls into a state of limbo with a week left in the trade period.
"Currently Matt hasn't been offered a contract by Carlton and is looking for opportunities," Bain told the publication.
"He has met with a few clubs. We are currently working through things. Money isn't the driving factor for this move."
Should Owies fail to find a new home during the trade period and Carlton decide against extending his contract, the 72-gamer can walk to a club of his choosing as a delisted free agent in November.
Given his contract status, Owies can still nominate the club he would like to join, with Carlton then needing to facilitate a trade.
The Blues have reportedly informed Owies he is welcome to find a new home, while a similar message has been given to contracted pair Matt Kennedy and Lewis Young. Jack Carroll and Sam Durdin are also without deals for next year.