Contracted Adelaide defender Fischer McAsey has been touted to join Carlton at season's end, with the Blues looking to bolster their key defensive stocks.
McAsey, an East Brighton product, is currently signed to the Crows until the end of next year after turning his back on reported interest from Victorian clubs early into last season to re-sign on a two-year deal.
Keen suitors in the 21-year-old would be tempted to ask the question of McAsey given his current placing in Matthew Nicks' pecking order, having not featured at senior level since 2020.
A debut season for McAsey, the versatile defender played 10 matches in the opening half of the year before falling out of Nicks' side and not returning since.
A first-round selection for Adelaide from the 2019 National Draft, McAsey was highly-rated throughout his draft year with Sandringham, taken ahead of Dockers duo Hayden Young and Caleb Serong among the top 10 selections.
Remaining out of favour at West Lakes, McAsey is again gaining links to a return to his home state of Victoria, with Carlton emerging as a landing spot for the 198cm-tall backman.
According toย RSN'sย Mark Stevens, McAsey is highly likely to venture to Ikon Park at season's end.
"Fischer McAsey, Pick 6 2019 draft, he's played 10 games at Adelaide, can't quite get into the Adelaide side, it's been a mystery," Stevens said. "Just hasn't had a run at it.
"A Melbourne boy, you can write this one down... Carlton, they're all over Fischer McAsey. I believed he'll be at the Blues next year.
"They need some more key defensive stocks. I think they need quality defenders... they probably need one more."
McAsey has been utilised as a forward target throughout this season at SANFL level, booting 15 goals from 16 appearances.
McAsey's value on the trade table would be an intriguing one given his arrival as a top six pick and current placing outside of the Crows' senior side.
A contracted player for Adelaide, the South Australian side may demand a draft selection in the range of a second-round pick for McAsey's services.
Carlton currently hold selections 11, 29, 62, 65 and 83 for this year's National Draft, as well as future selections for the 2023 draft.
