A deal which would see Carlton land Fremantle wingman Blake Acres is reportedly close ahead of next week's opening of the AFL trade period.
According toย afl.com.au, the trade is likely to involve a future third-round pick and will see Acres land at his third AFL club in 2023.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a career-best season at the Dockers in 2022, as the side finished fifth on the ladder after an impressive campaign.
Acres averaged 21.7 disposals and 5.8 marks in 20 games this season, producing some great form on the wing for the Dockers.
However, the former Saint is uncontracted and has expressed his desire to return to Victoria, with the Blues his preferred destination.
With Carlton missing out on Power free agent Karl Amon, the club are eager to boost their wing stocks in 2023, and look set to get their man on a three-year deal.
Colin Young of Corporate Sports Australia, who manages Acres, toldย afl.com.au's Trade Exchangeย that a deal for the winger is likely to be completed early on in the trade period.
"Having spoken to (Acres' manager) Andrew McDougall this morning, Blake might be close. It might be the first up, and then Bobby Hill. I think those two will get done pretty quickly," Young said.
"I think it was a phone call that Andrew had with (Carlton list manager) Nick Austin and it was the conversation after the season that Blake had with Michael Voss about where he'd play on the wing and how he fits in really well.
"It's a credit to what Justin Longmuir did with him, the way he plays that wing-type role. It just fits in with Carlton. He's going to be super for them next year."
