CARLTON has failed in an audacious bid to snare Hawthorn's list manager Graham Wright as the Blues try to revive their on-field fortunes.
AFL.com.au understands a board member was behind the approach to the Hawks' recruiting guru, which was initially made without the knowledge of key officials at the Blues.
The offer made to Wright, who has been a significant figure in Hawthorn's ability to develop a list mixed with bright young talent and talented players from other clubs, is believed to have been lucrative.
However the Hawks, having recently re-signed the 45-year-old Wright for an extended period, are understood to have being determined to retain Wright as it attempts to maintain its position at the top of the ladder.
Hawthorn is believed to have discussed the matter but were not prepared to release such a key member of staff, particularly one who had only recently been contracted.
Carlton confirmed contact was made with Wright.
"The club can confirm an inquiry was made into Graham Wright's availability on the possibility of joining Carlton's football department," a club spokesperson said on Thursday.
Carlton confirmed contact was made with Wright.
"The club can confirm an inquiry was made into Graham Wright's availability on the possibility of joining Carlton's football department," a club spokesperson said on Thursday.
The poaching of key staff has become a critical issue in recent seasons, particularly with clubs being asked to share revenue under competitive balance policy measures introduced by the AFL.
The industry issue was once confined to coaching but it has now spread to key football department personnel and continues to bubble away.
Collingwood held Melbourne recruiting manager Jason Taylor to the final year of his contract with the Magpies in 2012 despite an offer from the Demons.
Essendon also recently approached Fremantle list manager Brad Lloyd who was contracted to the Dockers.
Settled clubs are determined to ensure the contracts of key executives are honoured as a skill shortage continues to concern the industry.
The concerns also come as competitive balance policies spread financial wealth among the industry and make skilled personnel even more critical to club success.
The Blues' recruiting has been criticised in recent seasons as its first round draft picks Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Yarran, Kane Lucas, Matthew Watson and Josh Bootsma (who the club sacked on Tuesday for misuse of social media) have failed to develop into consistent top-liners.
Influential club figure Bruce Mathieson has been quite public in his criticism of the Blues' recent recruiting.
Hawthorn has managed to add Ben Stratton, Isaac Smith, Brad Hill and Billy Hartung in the same period without using a pick higher than No.19. It has also traded for Shaun Burgoyne, David Hale, Josh Gibson and Jack Gunston.
Departing CEO Greg Swann last week told 3AW sports today when he announced his resignation that Hawthorn's model was the preferred way forward for Carlton as it looked to develop a list that can push for the top four.
The Blues are going through a period of transition off the field with president-elect Mark Logiudice due to take over the presidency from club great Stephen Kernahan on June 14.
Swann will also depart on that date, which coincides with Carlton's 150th anniversary celebration dinner.
Wright took over from Chris Pelchen as Hawthorn's list manager in 2011 after progressing from being the club's East Coast Recruiting Manager to National Recruiting Manager.
He began his career in recruiting with the Brisbane Lions after 201 games with the Magpies that included the 1990 premiership and was runner-up in the Brownlow Medal in 1990.
Hawthorn declined to comment when contacted by AFL.com.au.
