GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Jack Martin of the Suns kicks during the round four AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Carlton Blues at Metricon Stadium on April 14, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Sam Edmund told SEN Breakfast this morning that Carlton looms as front runners to secure the services of 24-year-old forward Jack Martin, after he requested a trade from the Gold Coast Suns.
“My understanding is he’d prefer to play for Carlton," Edmund said.
Carlton have expressed their desire to lure a small forward and Edmund believes the Blues are willing to trade for Martin, but at the right price.
In light of Stephen Coniglio re-signing with GWS Giants, Edmund says Carlton will not want to spend much of the money set aside for Coniglio on Martin.
“He wants to play for Carlton, but I don’t think the Blues are going to pony up.”
Despite Carlton's interest in Martin, Essendon and Western Bulldogs are also in the frame if a deal falls through.
"I know there was a lot of talk about Essendon last year and it would have happened if the Bombers had the picks to make it happen."
Edmund also said the Bulldogs are willing to pay Martin a little more than Carlton is prepared to.
“I’m hearing they’re even willing to pay close to that $600,000 to get him there," he said.
“I think he wants to play for the Blues and if Essendon are out, the Western Bulldogs certainly aren’t.”
Martin has spent a tumultuous seven years at the Suns battling injury woes.