EX-GIANT and gun Carlton recruit Caleb Marchbank is dreaming of a GWS reunion at the Blues and says he would be "stoked" to have star Giant Josh Kelly by his side again.
The Blues are one of the leading contenders to win the frenzied race for Kelly’s prized signature after an outstanding year for the Victorian yielded his first Virgin Australia All Australian selection.
"I think he’s just such a quality person and such a quality player," Marchbank said.
"To get his first All Australian selection when he’s just 22 is an unbelievable achievement, so I’d be stoked if he came."
While he admitted he hadn’t yet whispered in the ear of his former teammate, Marchbank was hopeful Kelly could join the ever-growing contingent of former Giants at Carlton.
"He obviously has a massive decision to make, but I think he’s surrounded by the right people to help him make that decision, so I wish him good luck," he said.
One of five NAB Rising Star nominees from the Blues this year, Marchbank said the club helped him have a smooth transition back to Victoria and hoped they could do the same for Kelly.
Marchbank was selected by GWS with pick No.6 of the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, but only played seven senior games for the Giants after an injury-ravaged beginning to his career.
The defender earned a fresh start and played the first 14 games of this year for the Blues before again succumbing to injury and only playing two more matches for the season.
While the year didn’t finish as he had hoped, Marchbank said it was good to finally find some continuity in the senior side.
"Just to be able to be on the park and playing is a great thing for me, so I was happy with that," he said.
"I’m just looking forward to the pre-season, looking forward to getting fit again, getting stronger and hopefully I can have a better 2018 season."