Carlton midfielder Blake Acres is reportedly emerging as "one to watch for in the trade period" this year, with rival clubs said to be of the belief the Blues wingman "could be gettable".
Acres is contracted at Carlton until the end of the 2027 season, having inked a two-year extension over 12 months ago.
The 29-year-old has recently fallen out of favour at Princes Park, having been dropped for last week's clash with Brisbane after a drop in form.
The three-club midfielder's position on the fringes of Michael Voss' senior side is said to have piqued the interest of rival clubs, with 9 News' Tom Morris reporting the ex-Docker and Saint could find interest from a fourth club.
Acres isn't expected to play at AFL level this weekend, and is also tipped to be managed from the VFL too, with a return to Voss' lineup potentially on the cards for Round 20.
"Blake Acres is still not in (the Carlton side) this week," Morris said on Thursday.
"My understanding is he won't play at all, even VFL. They'll probably rest him, with a view to maybe playing against Hawthorn the following week.
"The ramifications are that other clubs have become aware that he could be gettable at the end of the year.
"He's got two years remaining on a deal, he's already been at three clubs. So going to a fourth doesn't mean too much.
"This is one to watch for in the trade period."
The Western Australian has played 62 games in the navy blue since crossing from Fremantle at the end of 2022.
Acres started his career with St Kilda in 2014 and spent six seasons in Victoria before seeking a move back home.
Acres won't be the only Carlton player who could be on the move this year, with ruckman Tom De Koning's potential pivot to St Kilda growing stronger.
He would depart as a free agent, with the Blues then likely to receive compensation for his departure, assuming they don't match the Saints' bid.
The Blues also have Sam Docherty, Orazio Fantasia, Brodie Kemp, Mitch McGovern, Jesse Motlop and Jack Silvagni, among others, without deals for next year.
