BALLARAT, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 03: Marc Pittonet of the Hawks is congratulated by his teammates after kicking a goal during the AFL JLT Community Series match between the Western Bulldogs and the Hawthorn Hawks at Mars Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Ballarat, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Hawthorn's best VFL player in 2019 could be headed to Carlton, according to AFL Media.

Backup Hawks ruckman Marc Pittonet has been linked to the Blues, after Carlton's current support tall Andrew Phillips toured Essendon's facilities last week.

The uncontracted 28-year-old Phillips has played just 29 games for Carlton in the last four seasons, including five this year, with limited opportunities behind Matthew Kruezer, Levi Casboult and the recently delisted Matthew Lobbe.

Phillips played 13 games for Carlton's VFL side Northern Blues this year.

23-year-old Pittonet played 14 games for Hawthorn's reserves in 2019, including a best on ground performance in Round 4. He finished equal-4th in the VFL's J.J. Liston Trophy, but has struggled for senior selection behind Ben McEvoy and Jon Ceglar.

Reports suggest the Hawks are interested in re-signing Pittonet but he is yet to commit.

The Bombers failed to lure Paddy Ryder back from Port Adelaide and are yet to offer Zac Clarke a contract.

Their current ruck stocks include 30-year-old Tom Bellchambers, 29-year-old Shaun McKernan and 21-year-old Sam Draper, who recently signed a four-year contract extension ahead of his expected debut next year.