ADELAIDE has vented its anger at Carlton for placing "unrealistic demands" on negotiating a trade for wantaway star Bryce Gibbs, and signalled another possible bid for him next season.
The Crows claimed the Blues wanted two first-round draft picks for the 27-year-old, who is contracted with Carlton until the end of 2019.
The Blues reportedly turned down an offer of Adelaide's first-round pick this year, currently No.13 overall, and a third-round pick next year, while several players were also discussed.
"The Adelaide Crows were not prepared to meet Carlton’s unrealistic demands in a trade for Bryce Gibbs," the club said in a statement.
"Officials from both clubs met several times in recent days and ultimately could not come to an agreement."
Crows general manager list management and strategy Justin Reid said his club's offer for Gibbs was fair and reasonable based on other deals that occurred.
"Going into the trade period, we had a strategy of going into the draft. At the eleventh minute, we had Bryce and his management approach us," Reid said.
"It would've been irresponsible if we didn't actually try to engage and look at that strongly.
"At the end of the day, two round-one draft picks was pretty unrealistic and pretty irresponsible list management if we were to entertain that.
"Where we positioned ourselves was really fair and equitable and if you saw a lot of the movement over the last fortnight, I think a lot of the clubs would agree with that.
"But he's a contracted player and obviously Carlton held him to that."
Reid said the Crows would re-evaluate at the same time next year if they pursue Gibbs again.
"He's a South Australian, he's got a strong intent to come home so we'll review that in 12 months time," Reid said.
"He's a pro, Bryce, so he'll obviously have to walk back in the club.
"It was more around a family decision not so much around the football club, so that's for him to work through."
Carlton's head of football Andrew McKay defended his club's decision to put a high value on Gibbs.
"Adelaide was not able to come to the level required to exchange Bryce Gibbs," McKay said.
"We were honest with Adelaide right from the word go – and honest with Bryce Gibbs and his manager.
"Adelaide was not able to get to that level (needed to close the deal).
"We look forward to Bryce wearing the navy blue jumper next year."
Gibbs has played 209 games for the Blues since being taken with the first overall pick of the 2006 draft.
The Blues and the Crows couldn't agree on which Adelaide players could be included in a trade, with Jake Lever, Charlie Cameron, Rory Atkins, Jarryd Lyons and Harry Dear among those knocked back from either side.
Gibbs' manager Nigel Carmody said it was disappointing a deal couldn't be reached.
"He was really honest with (Carlton) and we think the deal Adelaide put forward was more than fair and reasonable, particularly in comparison with some of the other deals that have been done during the trade period have looked like," Carmody told reporters.
"To not get to his destination in the end is disappointing, but we move on.
"Hopefully he can get things right and have a great season with Carlton next year."
Carmody declined to discuss the details of Adelaide's proposal.
Asked if there would be any friction between Gibbs and Carlton, Carmody said, "I don't think so.
"He's a proud player, they're a proud club and he's got to be a professional about it and move forward."