Carlton are understood to have invited Eastern Ranges defender Tyreece Leiu to Princes Park for the club's upcoming pre-season.

Leiu will link up with the Blues' training regime under Michael Voss for the months ahead of the Supplemental Selection Period in hope of gaining an AFL list spot.

The teenager was not selected via last week's National Draft despite being among the best tall defenders in his crop, averaging 16.7 disposals and 5.3 marks this year in the NAB League along with one appearance for North Melbourne's VFL side.

With a background in rugby, Leiu emerged as a powerful defensive option that is more than capable of moving further up the ground.

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Standing at 194cm tall and weighing 93kg, Leiu's size could be an enticing factor for Voss and list manager Nick Austin to consider for their defensive structure, especially given the recent departure of stalwart key-defender Liam Jones.

The Blues are set to weigh up their options to replace Jones in 2022, with Bulldogs recruit Lewis Young, luckless backman Caleb Marchbank and swingman Mitch McGovern seen as the leading options to plug the hole left by the now-retired veteran.

As revealed by AFL.com.au's Callum Twomey, Leiu could be another avenue for the Blues to consider, with the 18-year-old joining Jason Cripps, younger brother of Blues co-captain Patrick, in being invited to join Carlton's pre-season training.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 10: Joshua Cripps of Western Australia has his kick smothered by Blayne O'Loughlin of South Australia during the 2021 NAB AFL Draft U19 Challenge match between South Australia and Western Australia at Thebarton Oval on October 10, 2021 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/AFL Photos )

Cripps is another key-position prospect, nearing 200cm in height as a tall forward out of Western Australia.

Essendon are another club set to hand overlooked draft prospects training invites for the summer, with Tex Wanganeen (son of club great Gavin), Subiaco forward Nic Martin and Northern Territory midfielder Ronald Fejo Jnr tipped to link up at Tullamarine.