Essendon star Adam Saad linked to Carlton

The Blues should target out-of-contract duo Adam Saad and Zac Williams during the off-season, according to Hawthorn great Jordan Lewis.

Reports emerged last week that Saad is weighing up his future over uncertainty with Essendon's direction, with links already drawn to Carlton, Essendon and North Melbourne.

Lewis believes there is a glaring hole in the Blues' half-back line following the retirement of Kade Simpson.

Speaking on SEN Breakfast, the 319-gamer declared Saad should be Carlton's main priority but Williams should also remain on their radar.

“Looking at half-back, we know Zac Williams is on the market, that’s been pretty clear, but there are conversations around Adam Saad, so there’s two quality half-backs on the market, so it’s what you have to give up in return for these quality players,” Lewis said.

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“I’ve focused in on Saad and you can mount a case for Williams as well … I would be going more bullishly for Adam Saad over Williams.

“I’m just hearing murmurings that Carlton are into him (Saad). That’s why I threw that one out on the table.

“I think he’s gettable and I’m hearing Carlton could be involved in that conversation if he was to leave Essendon.”

On top of a void at half back, Lewis also identified the need for Carlton to add another inside midfielder.

“I still think they’re one inside mid short to support Patrick Cripps and get involved in their outside play. I think Zac Fisher can be inside-outside, but he’s more suited as an outside mid to provide that run.”

Essendon legend Tim Watson believes there is still a chance that Saad will remain at Essendon.

“I know that Essendon hasn’t given up on Adam Saad, so they still believe he’ll be a Bombers player.”

In terms of inside midfielders, Lewis believes the Blues should target Adelaide’s Brad Crouch.

“There’s a few inside midfielders you could potentially look at. Brad Crouch is a restricted free agent, so there’s a chance to get him and lock him away,” he said.

“There’s another one from GWS in Harry Perryman. He’s an SA boy so maybe he wants to go back home, but we hear he ants to search for another team and he’s out of contract.

“He’s one if I was Carlton or even Essendon to try and entertain that deal as well.”

Saad played all 17 games for the Bombers this season, averaging 18.9 disposals and 4.5 rebound 50s.

He finished third in the club's best and fairest count for the second year running.