Carlton is in constant contact with the AFL over the imminent draft changes that are set to come into effect by the end of the year, grossly impacting the club's ability to land potential Pick 1 and father-son Cody Walker.
The league is set to make it more difficult for clubs to match bids - limiting the amount of selections that can be used - as well as the removal of discounts or application of loading.
"The club is in constant contact. Our position is the runway we need," Blues coach Michael Voss said.
"I don't think anyone is debating that change is needed, but what most clubs would be afforded if they were in the same circumstances is a little bit more runway than what we're giving clubs.
"We're sitting in April and we don't have decisions: that's unusual for any competition across the globe, let alone Australia."
Walker has been training with the club, and will line up for the reserves side throughout 2026. He will follow in his father's footsteps, Andrew, in donning the navy blue.
“We're loving having [Cody] around the Club, he's going to play some VFL for us which is an advantage," Voss said.
"We'll let the young man be a young man, let him go play football and enjoy his football. When the time is right, we'll welcome him into the football club."
Port Adelaide is in the same boat as they await the changes to the draft and bidding systems as they get excited over Dougie Cochrane.
New AFL COO Tom Harley said early in March that the changes would be "imminent", but have yet to be confirmed ahead of the 2026 draft.
