Carlton has been front-page news regarding the future of Tom De Koning, as he weighs up a monster $12 million deal from St Kilda.
The Blues are hopeful the star ruckman remains at IKON Park, but have opened the possibilities of a future without De Koning.
But as the club sits precariously outside the top eight with a list deemed premiership ready, could there be major moves on the agenda come the 2025 trade and draft periods?
Carlton is currently without a first-round pick after swapping selections to snare Jagga Smith last year, with their first pick coming at 35.
Here are five trade and free agency targets for Carlton to consider this year...
5Leek Aleer
While Carlton's defence has been strong, the prospect of Leek Aleer searching for more AFL opportunity presents itself as something the Blues must consider.
The over-reliance on Jacob Weitering has gone on far too long, and the shuffle of Jack Silvagni to the backline has helped.
But Mitch McGovern and Nick Haynes aren't long-term solutions, with the latter in the twilight of his career at 32 years old.
Aleer is an emerging defender who has been starved of AFL chances due to the Giants' proficient backmen, but when given an opportunity, he has thrived.
The 23-year-old has played 15 games after being taken with Pick 15 in the 2021 National Draft, and is already being heavily courted by St Kilda as well as Brisbane.
GWS has offered a two-year deal to Aleer, but he's weighing up monster offers from the Saints, while the Blues would be encouraged to go after him.
