CARLTON looks set to add another Greater Western Sydney youngster to its list after departing Giant Caleb Marchbank nominated the Blues as his preferred new home.
Marchbank informed the Giants earlier this month he would seek a trade back to Victoria, with the Blues, Essendon and St Kilda all jostling for his services.
But AFL.com.au has confirmed the talented 19-year-old has nominated Carlton as his club of choice, where he is likely to reunite with list manager Stephen Silvagni, who chose Marchbank at pick No.6 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.
"The club will work closely with both Greater Western Sydney and Caleb's management to come to a suitable arrangement," Silvagni said on the club's website.
Marchbank played just two games this year because of serious ankle and shoulder injuries and last played in the NEAFL in round 16 when he suffered the shoulder injury.
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The Blues added four Giants to their list last off-season (Lachie Plowman, Liam Sumner, Jed Lamb and Andrew Phillips) and two (Kristian Jaksch and Mark Whiley) the year before.
They have been long-linked to Marchbank, and also attempted to broker a trade last year to land versatile tall Adam Tomlinson late in the exchange period.
Greater Western Sydney is expected to ask for a top-10 selection in a deal for Marchbank, with Carlton holding pick No.5.
Marchbank managed just seven senior games for the club but looms as a promising long-term defender if he can overcome his run of injuries. The Giants' two other top-10 selections in 2014 – Jarrod Pickett and Paul Ahern – are yet to debut at senior level.
Victorian clubs are also circling Giants midfielder Jack Steele, who is out of contract and yet to confirm his intentions for next year.