Carlton is desperate to land a star small/medium forward and has put a long-term deal towards Sydney’s Will Hayward, reports AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey.
According to Twomey, Carlton has put a six-year offer on the restricted free agent’s desk as he weighs up his future in the Harbour City.
Hayward is coming off a big four-goal performance in Saturday’s win over GWS and is one of the most wanted players in the competition.
Twomey also put both South Australian clubs in the race for the 25-year-old to come back to his home state.
“Sydney wants to keep him … but he has big takers on him for longer,” Twomey told AFL.com.au’s Gettable.
“I understand Carlton has up to six years on the table for him.
“That’s a big deal to get him out of the Swans but it would have to be because he’s obviously been so settled and is a big part of their culture and team over a number of years.
“He’s in great form … he is one of the most wanted players in the competition.”
On top of their push for Hayward, Twomey thinks that Carlton should be targeting other smaller type forwards.
He considers that position the last piece of their list build and urged the club to aim high and target Brisbane superstar Charlie Cameron for 2026 and beyond.
“Right here, right now, Carlton needs an electric small forward to finish off their list build,” Twomey told AFL.com.au’s Gettable.
“They’ve done so much right in the previous few years, they’ve been aggressive at the trade table, they’ve got the key pillars, they’ve got a midfield that’s so star-studded, but they need a small forward.
“Look at the premiership teams of recent years, they don’t have the quality of that group (of small forwards).
“I look at the teams in recent times, Kozzie Pickett, Tyson Stengle, Bobby Hill kicked four goals on Grand Final day.
“Tom Papley’s not available … I think you put your hand up and chase Charlie Cameron.
“I’m not saying he’s gettable, I’m not saying that at all, he’s the one I’d be selling the story to and getting in front of. He’s contracted until the end of next year.
“Carlton’s salary cap would probably be an issue … but I’m aiming high if I’m Carlton to bring in the best small forward I can because it’s the last piece of the jigsaw.”
The Lion becomes a restricted free agent at the end of next season. He has kicked 284 goals from 137 games since joining the club ahead of the 2018 season from Adelaide.
