CARLTON coach Mick Malthouse says the Blues will make a play for Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett if he is interested in a move to Melbourne.
Tippett told Adelaide on Tuesday that he wanted to leave the club in the AFL Gillette Trade Period later this month.
A Queensland-based club is seen to be in the box seat to secure the 25-year-old's services, with Tippett's family based on the Gold Coast.
He has visited them twice in the second half of the season.
With former forward Brendan Fevola's hefty contract now paid out, the Lions would have the money to afford him, while playing for the Suns would allow him to be close to his family.
But with interest from several other clubs, the situation could play out as it did for Mitch Clark, who last year told the Lions he wanted to go home to Perth, before accepting a better offer from Melbourne.
The Sydney Swans are said to be interested in Tippett, who has played 104 games since he was drafted by the Crows with pick 32 at the 2006 NAB AFL Draft.
Collingwood denied any interest in the forward, but Malthouse told 5AA that if he was open to living and playing in Melbourne, the Blues would want him.
"Of course I'm going to get involved … of course I would," Malthouse said when asked whether he would be interested in the 202cm giant.
"Tippett, [if] he wants to go to Melbourne, guess what? Carlton will put their hand up for him."
But Malthouse added he couldn't understand why Tippett would want to go anywhere if it wasn't to be closer to home.
"I always thought that Tippett was going to go back to the Gold Coast or Queensland because that's where he comes from," he said.
"Adelaide to me, are a club on the rise to the point where they finished third and [with a] half-ounce of luck, let's face it, they could have played in last week's Grand Final
"So why would he move?
"Now all of a sudden you hear Sydney or Melbourne and I just don't get that."
Tippett angered fans and, judging by a Tweet from star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield, several players too on Tuesday, by reportedly informing the playing group of his decision to walk via text message.
He reportedly wrote: "Boys, this morning, I have told the club that I won't be renewing my contract for 2013.?
"Making my decision has been one of the toughest processes I have ever been through.
"I have asked the club to shoot through an email to you all but in case it doesn't get through I want to thank you for your support and friendship over the past six years.?
"Have absolutely loved playing alongside you all.?
"You are all friends for life! I'll be in touch. Love KT."
Dangerfield Tweeted: "Disappointing day for the AFC. Club has done everything it could. But you have to want to be a part of where we are going. #2013 we r coming!"
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Harry Thring is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Harry
