Will Setterfield is attracting interest from rival clubs after being told he has to wait until after the trade period on any new deal.
Setterfield, 24, fell down the pecking order in a reinforced Carlton midfield this year, but was important late in the season after injuries to George Hewett and then Matthew Kennedy.
While he may still be offered a fresh contract at Ikon Park, Setterfield is a good chance to act before that, should a rival club act on its interest with a concrete deal.
The Blues this week cut 2018 first round pick Liam Stocker in a decision that surprised some, while mid-season recruit Will Hayes was also let go.
Carlton believed it had seen enough in Stocker’s four years to make a call on a player it didn’t think was going to break into its midfield or hold a spot in defence in a game that now demands speed and endurance.
The club has not yet agreed terms with Ed Curnow, but the veteran midfielder, who didn’t play a game this year, is set to play on under a one-year deal.
Carlton has been adamant it will prioritise the draft this year after being high-end players in the trade and free agency space in recent seasons, but winger Blake Acres is set to join from Fremantle on a modest contract.
As things stand, the Blues have picks 10 and 28 among their draft hand.