Essendon legend Tim Watson believes Carlton will be the team to land GWS star and says Chris Judd being on the board at Carlton could be a significant contributing factor.
Shiel was a Carlton supporter growing up and Judd's influence could help get the 2017 All-Australian to the club.
"I’m thinking when this story is written, the name Chris Judd will appear very much at the top of this story and the influence he might have had (on Shiel’s decision)," Watson said on SEN on Monday morning.
"I’m thinking (he’ll get to) Carlton.
"I think all roads lead to Carlton."
Shiel was reportedly flown to Noosa last week on a private plane to meet with Carlton power-brokers, the likes of which included Judd as well as coach Brendan Bolton, list manager Stephen Silvagni and billionaire Bruce Mathieson.