Carlton's Zac Williams is hoping to call Jack Martin a teammate well beyond this year as the latter's future remains unclear.
The five-year deal Martin signed to join Carlton ahead of the 2020 season is nearing its expiry, with rival clubs said to be showing an interest in the Western Australian.
There have been as many ebbs as there have been flows for the 29-year-old during his time at Princes Park, with injuries seeing Martin play no more than 15 games in a single season across his half-decade in navy blue.
That run will continue this year, with the ace Blues forward sidelined a week on from his return from a hamstring injury after reporting a calf issue in the wake of Carlton's win over Melbourne in Round 9.
Martin proved late last season how integral he can be in Michael Voss' plans, booting four goals from his two finals appearances to make it 13 majors from an eight-game run into late September.
Amid a period of frustration and uncertainty for Martin, Williams is hoping the Broome-born attacker does come around to re-signing with Carlton beyond this year.
Speaking to Zero Hanger this week, Williams said he hopes to have Martin recommit to the club and continue their shared push for a premiership.
"He's very important," Williams said of Martin.
"He showed [against Melbourne] how important and how good of a player he is within the Carlton football team.
"I don't know sort of what's going on, but it's personal business for Jack. He definitely plays an important part in the team system and the way he brings his experience and his toughness into that forward line.
"He's shown that and shown how important he is."
Martin looms as one of the Blues' biggest contract moves in 2024, with wingman Matt Cottrell, defender Jordan Boyd and forward Corey Durdin already earning new deals this year.
The Blues do have recruit Elijah Hollands' one-year contract to extend for 2025 and beyond, with the midfielder proving to be a valued addition to Michael Voss' side this season.
Hollands has played eight games for the Blues since serving his two-game ban for conduct unbecoming to average 15.5 disposals, 3.1 marks and 3.1 inside 50s while contributing six goals for the year so far.