West Coast is reportedly plotting a high-stakes draft manoeuvre that could see Carlton spend nearly all of its draft capital to secure father-son prospect Harry Dean.
With Picks 1 and 2 in hand, the Eagles are said to be weighing up whether to bid for the Vic Country defender as early as Pick 2, a move that would force the Blues into an immediate points squeeze.
According to News Corp, such a bid would cost 2,233 points on the night, leaving Carlton with little room to manoeuvre across the rest of the draft. The club currently holds Picks 9, 11, 43, 54, 67, 72, 87 and 105, equating to 2,758 points in total.
Rising stock and high stakes
Dean, the son of Carlton premiership player Peter Dean, has seen his stock soar after an impressive National Championships campaign for Vic Country. Averaging 15 disposals and six marks, the young defender impressed scouts with his intercepting ability and confidence to take the game on.
West Coast’s interest makes sense following the retirements of Jeremy McGovern and the departure of Tom Barrass to Hawthorn, leaving a void in their defensive stocks. The club is also reportedly monitoring Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler, while keeping tabs on Gold Coast academy prospect Zeke Uwland.
Carlton, meanwhile, remain intent on selecting Dean and at least three more players at the draft, which takes place on 19–20 November. The Blues have already freed up list space by delisting Jaxon Binns, Elijah Hollands, and Will White, but West Coast’s looming bid could yet force a major rethink.