CARLTON'S gaping salary cap hole in 2020 will see pending recruit Jack Martin demand around $1million for his first season in navy blue.
Martin delisted himself from Gold Coast on Monday, nominating terms for a new home in the upcoming NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.
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It is believed the five-year contract request is valued at close to $650,000 per season.
After failing to secure a move to Ikon Park during last month's Telstra AFL Trade Period, Martin's desire remains to become a Blue.
Due to the 24-year-old removing himself from the Suns' list, he waives the right to move as a delisted free agent and must nominate for the Pre-Season Draft.
While clubs are required to match the specifics set out by the player in Martin's position, flexibility in interested club's salary caps could potentially see other players' contracts shifted to accommodate the front-ended Martin deal.
It would leave the door slightly ajar for Melbourne to pursue Martin with the Demons holding the second pick in the Pre-Season Draft behind Gold Coast.
The Demons have made several enquiries to the Suns and Martin's management, however have been unable to facilitate a meeting with the talented forward with his heart set on Carlton.
By requesting the front-ended contract in papers lodged to the AFL on Monday, Martin has all but ended any potential of Gold Coast re-selecting him before Carlton.
Rival clubs had previously thought the Suns could take Martin at No.1 and then hold the rights for a trade in 12 months' time, but the seven-figure price for 2020 is now seen as a hurdle too far.
Carlton's salary cap situation, built off several years of spending under the salary cap within AFL rules, sees it easily able to accommodate a heavy contract in 2020.
The Blues offered Greater Western Sydney midfielder Stephen Coniglio a seven-year deal with up to $2million for 2020, only for him to turn his back on a move south.
They were also prepared to rip up Tom Papley's existing contract at Sydney before the Swans denied a trade for the small forward.
The Suns wanted a first-round selection as part of a deal for Martin last month but were unable to come to terms with the Blues.
Carlton offered the equivalent of an early second-round draft pick, but will now arrive at the club for free.
However, the assistance package the Suns received offset the club's ability to dig its heels in at the negotiation table.
By comparison, St Kilda offered wingman Jack Newnes a contract but decided to fulfill his request to be delisted so he could also join Carlton.
Martin played 97 games after arriving as a mini draft selection in 2012 before his debut in 2014.
