Keidean Coleman is available in theory. Should Carlton should pay the price?

Written by Marcus Guarnera

Carlton are looking to build off a successful back-half of last season, after the hiring of Josh Fraser revolutionised Carlton for the better. Under Josh Fraser lost only two home and away games since his hiring in round 10 before being eliminated in the first week of finals. It is clear that there is still clear holes in this side where Carlton want to improve.

Carry off half-back saw a massive improvement after Fraser took charge, with Ollie Florent and Billy Wilson being standout players for the Blues. However, behind them where Adam Cerra and Ollie Hollands came in after Nic Newman missed time due to injury. Newman currently is 33 years old and has only been offered a one year deal by Carlton which leaves his future up in the air.

This has seen Carlton looking for added ball movement off half-back which has lead the Blues into looking to trade for a new player. Lachie Whitfield has been the leading name linked to Carlton to join Carlton in the trade period. Whitfield is expected to name the Blues as his preferred landing spot soon, but GWS are asking for a first round pick to complete the deal.

Currently Carlton hold their first round pick at pick 11 and Sydney’s pick 16 via the Charlie Curnow trade. One of these picks would be enough to complete a deal for Whitfield but Carlton will need to hold onto all these picks to match a potential bid for Cody Walker. Carlton also hold pick 23 and 24 in the second round but it is still unclear if that will be enough to get Whitfield.

If GWS aren’t willing to budge their asking price for Whitfield, the Blues could be forced to look at other options to add depth off half-back. Keidean Coleman could be an alternative option for Carlton as he is looking into the possibility of leaving Brisbane this offseason. Coleman has struggled for game-time for Brisbane in recent years and only featured in 13 games this season.

This has lead to Coleman exploring a move this offseason but Brisbane’s list manager Dom Ambrogio told AFL trade radio “No, I don't have any line of sight on that whatsoever." when asked if teams have reached out for Coleman. If their is very little rival interest in Coleman, Carlton may be able to pick him up near the deadline for one of pick 23 or pick 24, which would be cheaper than a Whitfield deal helping the Blues match any bids for Cody Walker in the process.