Carlton has reportedly joined a Victorian rival in pursuit of a contracted midfielder.

Meanwhile, there’s been a “significant” shift in an in-demand Saint’s contract stalemate.

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BLUES AMONG CLUBS INTO SUNS MID

Carlton is “among the suitors” for Gold Coast utility Sam Flanders, according to the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph.

The Blues join St Kilda in flagging interest in the Sun of all trades, who is contracted at Carrara, but Gold Coast is keen on holding the 24-year-old to his deal.

Flanders in recent seasons has played as a midfielder, half-back-flanker and across the half-forward line — but has this year settled across half-forward.

Ralph wrote on X on Friday morning: “He would ideally play more midfield instead of half forward, wing.”

As Flanders is contracted through the 2027 season, it would take a decent package to pry the 87-gamer out of Queensland.

Ralph notes the Suns “would need something very good” in a deal and added Gold Coast is “very keen for a small forward”.

In terms of draft capital, Hawthorn owns Carlton’s first-round and early-second-round picks at November’s intake. The Blues’ first pick is currently set to come at no.34.

The Blues have also shown interest in delisted Eagles speedster Jack Petruccelle, who was cut by the club on Monday night. It comes after Seven’s Mitch Cleary reported Carlton has told Elijah Hollands to explore his options.

Further, Tom De Koning confirmed his departure from Princes Park, Jack Silvagni appears on his way out, and Charlie Curnow made known his trade intentions at his exit meeting.

SEE ALSO: Contracted Blue told to seek a trade away, just two years after they traded for him

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IN-DEMAND SAINT’S ‘SIGNIFICANT’ SHIFT

St Kilda has reportedly increased its contract offer to in-demand midfielder Marcus Windhager.

The out-of-contract Windhager has attracted interest from GWS, as first reported by Foxfooty.com.au’s Will Faulkner, as well as Melbourne, Essendon and North Melbourne, per other reports.

The Saints have bumped their offer to the improved ball-winner from two years to four, per Nine’s Tom Morris on Friday.

Writing on X, Morris added: “He’s now seen by those close to him as significantly more likely to stay.”

The 22-year-old former third-round pick initially made his name as a tagger, but in his fourth year has enhanced his standing as a pure midfielder alongside close mate and superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.

It’s shaping as a substantial off-season for St Kilda on the player movement front; expected to welcome Tom De Koning, Leek Aleer, Liam Ryan and possibly even Jack Silvagni and the aforementioned Sam Flanders. The club has also flagged interest in Hawthorn’s Cam Mackenzie.