Carlton has reportedly approached former Collingwood mastermind Graham Wright regarding a potential succession plan involving current CEO Brian Cook.
Wright - who departed the Pies after a six-month sabbatical - is understood to be eager to rise through the ranks and has already been courted by a role at AFL headquarters, while Adelaide has also issued their interest.
However, the Blues have discussed the possibility of bringing in the experienced list boss and football manager to succeed Cook and ultimately assume CEO duties later in 2025, according to The Age.
Cook is committed to the club for next year but is expected to step down, with Essendon chief Xavier Campbell a potential candidate.
Wright left his position at the AIA Centre following a successful campaign in 2023, helping lure Dan McStay, Tom Mitchell, Bobby Hill and Billy Frampton to Collingwood.
He initially resigned from his duties but was urged to take leave from the club who kept him on the books and returned to the role afterwards.
However, reports claimed that Wright and Pies CEO Craig Kelly had a falling out, resulting in the former not returning.
His departure for a trip abroad rocked Collingwood's staff however, and set off a domino effect of change, leading to instability that may have contributed to the Magpies' poorer on-field results.
It is understood that Wright wanted new opportunities and has an interest in becoming a chief executive after a 35-year run in football, including serving as Alastair Clarkson's right-hand man during Hawthorn's golden era in the 2010s.
Wright was reportedly keen on the CEO role at the 19th AFL club before the Tasmania Devils hired ex-Richmond boss Brendon Gale.
