A “serious contender” has emerged for delisted Carlton forward Jack Martin while an “honest conversation” has cast doubt over the future of a popular Blues player.
Plus — Patrick Dangerfield looks to be closer to securing a new deal with Geelong.
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Geelong has emerged as a “serious contender” to sign delisted Carlton forward Jack Martin, according to The Herald Sun’s Jay Clark. Martin, who was let go by the Blues last week after managing just 54 games in five injury-plagued seasons, is drawing interest from both Fremantle and the Cats. While the Dockers have expressed strong interest, Clark reports that Martin prefers to stay in Melbourne, which puts Geelong in a favorable position.
Clark suggested that a two-year deal worth between $350,000 and $400,000 per season could be enough to secure Martin’s signature. He described the potential move as “low-cost and risk-free,” aligning with Geelong’s reputation for taking calculated gambles on experienced players. While Martin has struggled with injuries, his talent remains unquestioned, and if Geelong can keep him fit, he could find a place in their best 22.
The Herald Sun’s Josh Barnes noted that this approach has paid off with players like Gary Ablett and Gary Rohan but acknowledged it hasn’t always been successful, referencing cases like Jonathon Ceglar and Jack Steven. When it comes to Martin, Barnes expressed skepticism, suggesting Martin would need a “massive off-season” to earn a spot in Geelong’s forward line, given their current structure and reliance on players like Tyson Stengle who work hard across the field.
KENNEDY’S FUTURE AT BLUES ‘IN THE AIR’ AFTER ‘HONEST CONVERSATION’
Elsewhere, Matt Kennedy’s future at Carlton is clouded after what Barnes described as an “honest conversation” with the club earlier in the week.
Kennedy is contracted with the Blues next year and while it is considered more likely at this stage that he will stay put, there is a possibility the 27-year-old could look elsewhere should he desire more playing time in the midfield.
It comes after Seven’s Mitch Cleary reported Kennedy was one of three players to be told by the Blues to consider their future, with claims he wants to play more as an inside midfielder while Carlton wants him at half-forward.
Speaking on the Midweek Tackle, Barnes stressed that Kennedy is “much-loved” at Carlton and that, while frank, the meeting he had earlier this week with Blues officials was not held with the intention of trying to push him out.
“They’re not saying pack up your bags but if you would like to play more midfield you’re not going to do it at Carlton,” Barnes said.
“You’re probably going to do that elsewhere. They’ve got Patrick Cripps in the middle, they don’t really need more big bodies. They need speed in the middle.
“If he can find somewhere he’d rather play then he’s welcome to explore that. He’s contracted for next year.”
Barnes added that the word out of Kennedy’s camp on Tuesday is that he is “more likely” to be at Carlton next year but added it is genuinely “really in the air” whether he will decide to test the market.
“They haven’t even looked at the market yet because I think they were surprised,” Barnes said.
“He’s much-loved inside of Carlton. His partner is a big part of the social scene there. He was wrapped up this week when he played his 100th game. They were all about him. They love him, the players do. At the moment he needs to open things up.”
While no teams have been reported to have expressed interest in Kennedy, Barnes mentioned North Melbourne, Geelong and Collingwood as theoretical suitors based on team fit along with Adelaide and West Coast as interstate options.
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