CARLTON and Gold Coast are locked in a battle for highly rated SANFL prospect Shane McAdam in a deal that could have implications on Mitch McGovern's move to Ikon Park.
As reported by AFL.com.au last month, both the Blues and the Suns are keen on securing the dangerous 181cm forward, who kicked 31 goals from 17 games for Sturt this season.
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However, it's believed Adelaide has now indicated to Carlton that it would like McAdam included in any deal for McGovern during the NAB AFL Trade Period, adding even more competition between the Blues and the Suns for his signature over the next nine days.
Carlton is able to pre-list two state-league players from across the country, while Gold Coast has been allowed to pre-list three, as part of a compensation package granted to the two struggling clubs by the AFL last month.
The clubs can choose to keep the players for their 2019 playing lists, or on-trade them to other clubs.
The Blues already secured the rights for SANFL prospect Nathan Kreuger on Monday, before on-trading the South Adelaide forward to the Cats in exchange for pick No.42.
Gold Coast is closing on the signings of Werribee's Josh Corbett and West Adelaide's Chris Burgess, with McAdam believed to be the club's third and final state-league target.
However, in what could be a boost for Carlton's chances of securing McGovern, AFL.com.au has confirmed the state-league players are essentially free agents and can sign for whichever club they like, should both teams indicate an interest in recruiting them.
Therefore, signing for Carlton instead of Gold Coast could enable McAdam to remain in South Australia should he be part of the Blues' trade with the Crows for McGovern.
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Carlton currently holds picks 1, 25, 27, 43, 66 and 74 at next month's NAB AFL Draft, with one or more of those picks likely to be included in any deal for McGovern.
The strong-marking 190cm forward requested a trade to Carlton last month, despite having two years to run on the contract he signed with Adelaide in August 2017.
