JAKE Carlisle won't be distracted by speculation about his playing future amid open interest from North Melbourne, interim Essendon coach Matthew Egan says.
Kangaroos coach Brad Scott declared his club's desire to secure the out-of-contract key position Bomber on Thursday.
It ramped up speculation about Carlisle's future at Essendon after three years dealing with supplements scandal and reported interest from the Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Carlton.
But speaking ahead of the Bombers' clash with Richmond on Saturday night, Egan said he had no issues with Scott's comments and doubted the 23-year-old swingman would be fazed by the trade talk.
"I don't think much distracts Jake to be honest. He's just a laid-back character, he wouldn't have read it," Egan said.
"I spoke to him a few times about different things and nothing seems to faze him – he's that sort of character. So, nah, I think he will be fine with it all."
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Egan said he had "absolutely no idea" what Carlisle was thinking for 2016 and beyond.
However, he emphasised that the 198cm big man was still engaged at the Dons as they prepare for their final two matches against the Tigers and Collingwood.
"Meetings he's talking up. There's been a few things that have happened game day where he's shown great leadership for the club and from my perspective and the club's perspective he seems in a good place," Egan said.
"I think every club would want Jake Carlisle in their team, he's a 23-year-old key position player that can play forward and back.
"He's a required player here, he's obviously a real talent for us, so we're hoping he stays."
Essendon's clash with the Tigers marks the end of Paul Chapman's storied career, while it also opens the book on talented Irish youngster Conor McKenna's AFL playing days.
Chapman, the triple-premiership winning Cat, will play his 29th match in red and black at the scene of some of his most famous triumphs, the MCG.
"He's a big-game player and I reckon his retirement game, something could happen," said Egan, his former Geelong teammate.
"So I'm hoping he just contributes and enjoys himself because he's had a fantastic career. He's been an absolute superstar of the game."
McKenna, from Tyrone in Northern Ireland, will make his debut across half-forward and on a wing after impressing with his flair in 15 VFL games this year.
"He's an excitement machine. He adds some speed to our team – which is what we've missed a little bit, especially with guys like Trav Colyer not playing," Egan said.
"He's an absolute competitor, he hates losing, so his tackle pressure and helping us keep the ball in our forward half is a big reason (he's playing), and he's a beautiful snap for goal."
Egan, who led the Bombers to within two points of an upset win over Gold Coast in his first match in charge, is aiming to avoid Essendon's third-straight defeat to the Tigers, who have won by a combined 174 points in the past two rounds.
"We're playing against a team that has kicked 45 goals in the last two weeks … so our defence is going to have to be a lot stronger than it was last week," Egan said.
Meanwhile, Egan said he has spoken to Dustin Fletcher about playing in round 23 as a possible send-off match against the Pies.
Fletcher has not played since he aggravated a long-term abdominal injury in his 400th game against Richmond in round nine, but Egan said it was important the fans saw the 40-year-old again in some capacity.
"He has been struggling the last month, so it's going to be hard for him to get up, but we want to give him every chance to play," he said.
Patrick Ambrose has been withdrawn from the list of emergencies for the Tigers clash and will undergo shoulder surgery on Monday. Elliott Kavanagh has been added to the emergencies as his replacement.
