Departed Hawthorn backman Ethan Phillips could find a new home at Carlton for the 2025 VFL campaign after being spotted training with the Blues' AFL squad this pre-season.
Phillips has joined the Blues' preparations for next year under Michael Voss but looms as a likely VFL addition, with the club currently looking elsewhere to add to their list via the Supplemental Selection Period.
The 25-year-old has been on the lookout for a new club for next year after being delisted by Hawthorn after one season in the brown and gold. Phillips joined the Hawks as an SSP addition ahead of the recent season after fellow backman James Blanck suffered a year-ending ACL injury in February.
Phillips had originally joined Box Hill for 2024 following a strong period with Port Melbourne, who he won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal with as the VFL's best emerging player in 2022.
The 197cm defender made his AFL debut in Round 10 against Port Adelaide, which would prove to be his only appearance in the top flight, while he would earn a selection in the VFL Team of the Year squad with Box Hill from his 14 games at the state level.
While an additional key defender could be an area to explore for Carlton ahead of next season, the Blues have committed to offering Phillips' ex-teammate Denver Grainger-Barras the chance to train for a list spot via the SSP.
Grainger-Barras is joined by recently cut Carlton pair Sam Durdin and Matt Carroll, as well as the Blues' VFL leading goalkicker Liam McMahon.
Durdin is another tall defender the Blues are considering, while Grainger-Barras can also suit a forward role after being utilised at both ends of the field for the Hawks.
Carlton have two list spots open for the SSP and can have two train-on prospects per vacancy, giving no room for the Blues to also include Phillips currently.
The club could still list and sign Phillips to their AFL squad should he impress over summer, with the SSP deadline set for February 21.
The big-bodied defender is likely in line for a VFL opportunity at Princes Park at the very least, with Carlton's reserves hoping to improve on a 2024 campaign that saw them finish 19th with just four wins for the year.
The Blues' VFL side is yet to reveal new recruits for next year, however have re-signed a large pack of this year's squad, including McMahon, ex-Dog and Blue Will Hayes and promising youngster Will White.