Fire sale as Blues chase Chappy

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse talks to defender Josh Bootsma. Source: Michael Dodge / HeraldSun

CARLTON looms as a possible new home for Paul Chapman after they met for preliminary discussions on Monday.

The Blues are looking at a variety of recruitment options in an effort to revitalise a list that could only win three of 13 games against teams that finished above it on the home-and-away ladder (including Essendon).

Chapman, 31, wasn't offered a new contract by the Cats after 251 games between 2000-13, but firmly believes he has good football left in him.

AFL APPROVES BUDDY DEAL

DEPARTMENT OF TRADES

His manager Liam Pickering said today Carlton was one of four clubs that had contacted him.

"Any club that thinks they can contend next year would obviously be mad not to speak with 'Chappy'. He feels as if his body will allow him at least two good years," Pickering said.

When Chapman did play in eight matches for 2013 his statistics were outstanding, better in all areas than his career averages and that included two games where he was substitute.

The sticking point for a possible Chapman deal could come down to money with the Blues heavily committed after signing Dale Thomas from Collingwood.

But they have made it known they are willing to part with first-round draftees Josh Bootsma and Kane Lucas, plus ruckman-forward Levi Casboult, as part of the club's dramatic list overhaul.

Blues forward Levi Casboult celebrates a goal with gusto. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

The Blues have told rivals they are prepared to trade either of the pair if it helps secure coach Michael Malthouse some top-line midfield talent.

The move has surprised other clubs, given Carlton used their first selections in the 2009 and 2011 national drafts to select Lucas and Bootsma.

Carlton has also been linked to Shane Savage from Hawthorn.

Lucas, 22, had his best year this season, averaging 18 touches from 17 games, but he lost his place late in the campaign and missed out on finals.

Bootsma, 20, was played in a key defensive post at times this year but in his nine games in the backline did not take an intercept mark, according to Champion Data. The Blues this year re-signed Bootsma for two more years, until the end of 2015.

Joel Corey in action for the Cats. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HeraldSun

At Geelong, Chapman's long-time teammate Joel Corey will not be offered a new contract and is expected to retire.

But don't wait for any fanfare as Corey will leave the game as he played it — quietly.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

Fire sale as Blues chase Chappy

Dengan url

http://ikhlasngeblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/fire-sale-as-blues-chase-chappy.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

Fire sale as Blues chase Chappy

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

Fire sale as Blues chase Chappy

sebagai sumbernya