Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has thrown up a potential target for Carlton to bolster their midfield stocks.
Lloyd believes the Blues should target North Melbourne midfielder Jed Anderson to support captain Patrick Cripps and provide additional inside grunt.
Anderson is currently out of contract at the Roos, with a report from AFL Media three weeks ago suggesting he was close to signing a new deal.
However, with all the uncertainty at North Melbourne at the moment, Lloyd believes the Blues should pounce and attempt to lure the 26-year-old.
“I think Carlton should go for Jed Anderson from North Melbourne,” Lloyd told AFL Trade Radio.
“He is as tough as nails and I heard he hasn’t got a contract yet, he’s just sorting through it.
“He is someone, he is an absolute bull, and in the right environment I think he could be the perfect fit for Carlton.
“While there’s so much uncertainty around who the coach is going to be, if I was a club out there, he’s someone who’s fantastic, you wouldn’t have to pay a heap for him, you could sell the direction of the club and where you’re heading, and he’d be a great asset for Patrick Cripps and Carlton.”
Anderson played 15 games for North Melbourne in 2020, averaging 21 disposals, five tackles, four clearances and 3.5 inside 50s per game.
He finished the season with 30 disposals and five inside 50s in a loss to West Coast.
The Blues have struggled to work out their best midfield unit, with Ed Curnow currently serving in the role Anderson would likely come in and fill.
Sam Walsh spent most of the year on the wing, but finished the season on-ball, while Will Setterfield, Jack Martin, Marc Murphy and David Cuningham rotated throughout the year.
GWS defender Zac Williams has been recruited via restricted free agency and will likely be deployed on-ball by the Blues.
Carlton will be hoping young midfielders Paddy Dow, Brodie Kemp and Liam Stocker can break into the side in 2021.