Melbourne has made an attractive pitch to Adam Cerra as the wantaway Docker plots a path back to Victoria.
The Demons have made their case for the midfielder in a move that could pull the rug out from Carlton, who have long been favourites to snare him.
The Blues remain the only viable option at this stage, given they not only have the salary cap room, but also the draft capital to satisfy Fremantle in a trade.
Cerra, 21 and four seasons into a career that started when he was taken at No.5 in the 2017 national draft, would command Carlton’s pick 6 as part of any exchange.
Cerra last month told Fremantle he wanted to be traded back to his home state of Victoria, but the Demons’ presence means he has not yet nominated his preferred club.
Preliminary finalist Melbourne currently doesn’t have a pick in this year’s draft until the second round – No.33 – meaning the Dees would have to get aggressive in the trade period to gain a high selection.
That remains unlikely.
The Blues are keen to add Cerra to a midfield that needs reinforcement alongside pillars Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps.
Carlton is likely to snare Sydney’s George Hewett under free agency rules, believing he will add some defensive steel to the engine room, while Cerra’s ball use holds appeal.