BRENDON Bolton believes Carlton has shown itself to be an attractive proposition for free agents and out-of-contract players ahead of this year's exchange period.
The Blues last week confirmed their interest in Gold Coast gun Jaeger O'Meara, who has yet to commit to the Suns beyond this year but has not played since 2014 as he battles an ongoing knee injury.
The club has also been linked to O'Meara's teammate Dion Prestia, although the Tigers appear to be leading that race, while Greater Western Sydney pair Jack Steele and Adam Tomlinson are likely to be on Carlton's recruiting radar.
Bolton wouldn't be drawn on whether the Blues were a more appealing destination this year than in previous seasons for players considering their future, but said the culture was strong at Ikon Park.
"I'm not here to comment on the past, I'm more about the future. But I'd hope that our club's one where people can see there's a real connectedness and people within our club feel a sense of belonging," Bolton said.
"When you feel a sense of belonging it becomes an attractive place."
Bolton's Blues face St Kilda on Sunday at the MCG as they search for their seventh win of the season. The first-year coach said he would be involved in the recruiting process, but that he had left it in the hands of the Blues' list manager for now.
"Right now I think all clubs are looking into next year. But Stephen Silvagni's role is to do that. I'm purely focused on the Saints at the moment but we'll see how it all unfolds," he said.
Carlton has shown steady improvement this season after its wooden-spoon finish to 2015, but remains in the bottom four on the ladder this year. Bolton's side pushed Hawthorn in last week's 19-point loss, and the coach said the Blues were hoping to capitalise on their scoring opportunities more.
"The boys are really aware of the areas they're making progress in, and that keeps morale high. We need to be a team that gives effort, which we have by and large for most of the year, but [one] that can evolve into a team that can hurt when we get the opportunity," he said.
"That's still a growth area for us."
Blues veteran Andrew Walker will line up for his 202nd and final game for the club against St Kilda, after announcing his retirement this week.
A chronic knee injury has forced the 30-year-old to move on from the Blues, but Bolton said there was no hesitation in granting the former No.2 pick a farewell game.
"'Walks' probably would have kept playing a month ago, but his knee flared. He's the first Carlton indigenous player to play 200 games, so I think he deserves the respect and he's really eager to play this game," he said.
