Carlton forward Jack Silvagni is likely to remain at Princes Park beyond 2023, while the same can't be said for a trio of his teammates.
The Blues have significantly shortened their list of retention targets across the course of the year, having re-signed Marc Pittonet, Lewis Young, Alex Cincotta, Nic Newman, Sam Docherty and Brodie Kemp this season alone.
But no name was bigger than Tom De Koning, who turned down widespread reported interest from several clubs to sign a two-year extension with Carlton.
The wave of re-signings leaves the Blues with several key list calls still to come, with father-son forward Silvagni among as many as 10 Carlton players yet to learn their future beyond this year.
Silvagni has been flagged as a potential trade target for St Kilda, whose list management team added acquired father and club great, Stephen, ahead of this year.
The junior Silvagni has shown his value to Michael Voss throughout his eighth season in the navy blue, however, a starting spot in the senior side has not always been guaranteed. With no contract on the table, Silvagni has emerged as a Blues player that could depart this off-season.
Speaking onย SENย on Wednesday, reporter Sam Edmund refuted any suggestion the Suns would be a landing spot for Silvagni, stating the chance of the 25-year-old earning a new deal with the Blues was growing.
"I think he's actually a really good chance to stay at Carlton," Edmund said.
"That's far from guaranteed, of course he could leave, but just the vibe I get speaking to people is that he will now stay.
"He wants to stay, he loves the club, he's Carlton through and through, love his teammate, but of course the deal has to be right.
"The feeling I get, speaking to people around this who make the decisions and sign off on it, things are moving towards re-signing.
"I'm also not sure the rival interest has been enormous either. I just think he stays and that's what he wants."
Among the crop of Blues players who are also off-contract are 2017 top 10 draft selection Paddy Dow and Lochie O'Brien, who, like Silvagni, have battled to lock in a spot under Voss this year.
Dow has held his own at AFL level in recent weeks after learning a reprieve due to Carlton's injury-hit midfield group, with the Swan Hill junior playing in the club's past seven games.
The 23-year-old has recorded 20 or more disposals on five occasions in that period, complementing Carlton's top line of ball winners in a near-perfect run for the Blues.
Viewed as perhaps the seventh onballer in Voss' pecking order, Dow is expected to garner external interest from clubs, with Edmund believing the Saints and Hawks could be keen suitors.
"Still in something of a holding phase in regards to his playing future," Edmund said of Dow's situation.
"The last month or two hasn't changed a lot. There is widespread interest from other clubs because when he's come into the Carlton setup he's equipped himself quite well.
"St Kilda, Hawthorn, a couple of others will come. Paddy does want to stay at Carlton, that's not the issue, but the opportunity is. So when (Patrick) Cripps, (Sam) Docherty and (Matt) Kennedy come back... is he the sub?
"He wants to play, the next couple of weeks are going to be absolutely crucial. This seems like a 50-50 call at the moment for Paddy Dow. He's been in the door, out the door all the way through (2023)."
O'Brien has played just six games this year - his last coming in Round 12 - to face an uncertain future at Ikon Park.
According toย Edmund, the young wingman isn't expected to be at Carlton for 2024.
"On the market, will not be at Carlton next year," Edmund said.
"Available to a rival club at the right price."
Contracted utility Zac Fisher is another Blues player who has been raised as a potential trade target for rival clubs.
Much like the aforementioned trio of Blues teammates, Fisher has struggled to cement a role in Voss' plans this season.
A move to half-back has seen Fisher flourish in a new role, however the switch hasn't prevented the Western Australian from being viewed as a Blues player that will likely depart at season's end.
North Melbourne are said to be ready to table the 25-year-old a long-term deal, with the Blues reportedly open to parting ways with Fisher.
"I think highly likely," Edmund said of Fisher's chances of leaving.
"North Melbourne are prepared to offer a big contract for someone like Zac Fisher, maybe as long as five years is the suggestion, which sounds extraordinary but that is the whisper doing the rounds.
"He's got some interest and he will have some options. He's had his moments on the back flank for Carlton, but just as many moments where the Blues might be keen to get something back for him."
Carlton will be looking to refine their list this off-season after booking themselves a finals spot for the first time since 2013.
