Carlton has told three players to look elsewhere for their AFL futures.
Plus a West Coast premiership forward has reportedly undergone a medical with a rival club following strong links.
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Neale sports moonboot after Giants win | 01:22
BLUES PUT THREE PLAYERS ON TRADE BLOCK
Carlton has told three players to consider their AFL futures, including contracted pair Matt Kennedy and Lewis Young.
Seven’s Mitch Cleary reported Kennedy and Young have been told to consider seeking a trade this off-season with disagreements over their best roles.
Kennedy was one of three Blues to play every game in 2024, but wants to play more as an inside midfielder while Carlton wants him at half-forward, where he kicked 16 goals this past season.
He was subbed off before halftime of the Blues’ elimination final capitulation, looking frustrated on the bench after flying up for the game just hours after watching his wife give birth to their first child.
Kennedy is contracted until the end of 2025 while Young has another two years left to run on his deal but could move elsewhere.
Young has played 43 games in three years at Ikon Park, after 24 games in five years at the Western Bulldogs. He can play at either end of the ground and pinch-hit in the ruck.
The uncontracted Matt Owies, who played every game and kicked 33 goals before being suspended for the elimination final, has also been told to consider his options.
The Blues have already delisted five players including Jack Martin who could end up moving to a third AFL club.
Crazy post-siren ending to local GF! | 01:19
FLAG EAGLE ‘APPEARS BOUND’ TO DEPART
Veteran West Coast forward Jack Darling has reportedly undergone a medical at North Melbourne amid reports of the Roos’ interest in the goalkicker.
Darling ‘appears bound for Arden Street’ this off-season, according to Nine reporter Tom Morris on Monday.
The 32-year-old is contracted through next season at the Eagles but has been considered gettable this year as West Coast continues to navigate a dreary rebuild.
The Kangaroos, on the other hand, have been clamouring for key-position support behind All-Australian spearhead Nick Larkey — with Darling shaping as a solid stopgap in the twilight of his career.
The West Perth product is expected to receive a multi-year deal from the Roos, who currently hold picks 2, 22, 40, 58 and 64 at November’s national draft.
The 14-year stalwart’s best season came in 2019 when he booted 59 goals in 24 games to spur the Eagles to a fifth-place finish.
DELISTED DOCKER ‘WEIGHING UP’ OPTIONS
Axed Fremantle forward Matt Taberner is exploring his career options amid reported rival interest.
The 31-year-old — who has battled back and hamstring injuries — was one of four Dockers cut less than a week ago, as the former Murray Bushranger has now been left to assess his options.
However, according to The West Australian, ‘several’ clubs are interested in the 125-gamer’s services.
“I saw the end at Dockers coming from a while back, but I haven’t really thought about next year,” Taberner recently told the publication.
“My real battle this year has been trying to get on the park to play consistent footy. There would be no point playing next year if I wasn’t confident in my body … It’s something I have to weigh up.”
Taberner fell out of favour with Fremantle’s selection committee in 2024, managing just five senior games after four in 2023 amid persistent injury troubles.
The veteran’s best season came in 2021 when he kicked a career-best 37 goals across 16 games.
In 12 seasons, Taberner has played more than 17 AFL games just once.
Source Agencies
