Sydney forward Tom Papley has been linked with a move to Victoria at season’s end and his strong run of form would only be increasing his value.
The 22-year-old has kicked 23 goals this year and would be in All-Australian contention as a small forward.
The Herald Sun on Friday mentioned Carlton as a team interested in acquiring Papley, who remains contracted through to 2020.
Swans coach John Longmire was full of praise for him.
“He’s contracted until the end of next year and he’s a very good young player and we’re not getting caught up in the chatter,” he said.
“He’s loving his footy, he’s in our leadership group, he’s a beauty.
“He’d be a very important part of the future of the Sydney Swans and a very good young player.”
Carlton is crying out for a small forward and CEO Cain Liddle told the Two Tones podcast they will be targeting one in the trade period.
“Very clearly, we’ve got the makings of a once-in-a-generation forward line through Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay,” he said.
“We now need to do some work in terms of that small crumbing defensive forward. I think most Carlton supporters can see that.
“But we can be very targeted with that.”