Uncontracted Hawthorn defender Denver Grainger-Barras is eyeing a fresh start at Carlton after a challenging stint with the Hawks that saw him sidelined for the entire 2024 season.
Drafted with the sixth pick in the 2020 national draft, the 22-year-old has struggled to secure a regular spot in Hawthorn's lineup, managing only 28 games in his three-year career.
Grainger-Barras met with Carlton last week, hoping to join the Blues as a delisted free agent or a summer sign-on player following the trade period.
Carlton recently bolstered their defensive ranks by signing ex-Giant Nick Haynes and extending Jacob Weitering's contract, but they are still looking for additional support, particularly after delisting Caleb Marchbank.
The Blues remain a candidate to lure All-Australian Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston, but recent draft pick-swaps suggest a shift in focus. Carlton traded its No. 14 draft selection to Hawthorn in exchange for future first and second-round picks, indicating they might prioritise utilising their premium picks at the upcoming draft.
On the other hand, Hawthorn has shaken up its draft strategy by trading Pick 14 to Carlton, complicating potential deals for star defenders Tom Barrass and Liam Baker. Despite the trade's ramifications, the Hawks have already secured Josh Battle through free agency and still hold valuable future draft picks, giving them flexibility in their recruitment plans.
While Grainger-Barras has been unable to make his mark at Hawthorn, he believes that a change of scenery could revive his career. With the trade period coming to a close, the future hangs in the balance as he waits for his chance for an AFL lifeline.
