CARLTON is eyeing a play to land St Kilda's Jack Newnes for free after the midfielder was left without a contract following Wednesday's trade deadline.
A restricted free agent entering the off-season, Newnes had previously turned down a two-year offer from the Saints to explore his options on the open market.
After there were no takers as a free agent, Newnes is considering entering the delisted free agency window, with Carlton a chance to swoop on his services for nothing.
The first of two delisted free agency periods opens on November 1, with the second closing on November 22 – giving more than 60 players currently in limbo a chance to find new homes.
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Newnes is canvassing interest from elsewhere with the Blues understood to be the strongest of suitors in Victoria.
Sydney also explored the option of recruiting Newnes at the end of 2018, despite the hard-running wingman having a year to run on his contract at Moorabbin.
Newnes held the longest active streak of consecutive games (123) in the AFL up until round 14 this year when he was dropped by now-departed coach Alan Richardson.
The 26-year-old played a variety of roles at St Kilda in 2019 after he was left out of the leadership group but is seen as a wingman.
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With six senior list spots available at Carlton – five should they land Jack Martin in the pre-season draft – the Blues are looking to add midfield depth to complement their young stars.
The Blues also expressed interest in Brisbane wingman Tom Cutler before he opted for a move to Tullamarine on Wednesday night.
Given the delisting of defender Dale Thomas and return to fitness of co-captain Sam Docherty, Newnes could also assume a role across half-back for the Blues.
Former Saints assistant Henry Playfair has crossed from Moorabbin to Ikon Park ahead of the 2020 season.
Newnes ultimately played 20 matches in 2019 and averaged 17.3 disposals.
