Bryce Gibbs deal will rely on Carlton securing quality midfielder during trade period

CARLTON will only consider allowing Bryce Gibbs to be traded back to Adelaide if it can secure a quality midfielder in the trade period.

Carlton’s Bryce Gibbs wants to go home to South Australia. Picture: Getty Images

CARLTON will only consider allowing Bryce Gibbs to be traded back to Adelaide if it can secure a quality midfielder in the trade period.

The Blues were aware of Gibbs’ family issues in recent months but were still blindsided when the 27-year-old asked for a trade on Monday.

Gibbs’ partner Lauren Tscharke is also from Adelaide, with the pair welcoming first son Charlie early last year.

The club has considered but dismissed as unrealistic the possibility Gibbs might commute back and forth for a period of time until his issues are resolved.

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Adelaide small forward Charlie Cameron could be part of a potential trade for Gibbs, with the Crows also having to offer up pick 13.

But the Blues would need to secure a quality midfielder either through the Gibbs trade or in exchange for Geelong-bound Zach Tuohy to consider releasing their star midfielder to Adelaide.

Bryce Gibbs shocked Carlton when he asked for a trade to Adelaide. Picture: Getty Images

Carlton entered the trade period looking at bulking up its midfield rather than losing a premier onballer at the peak of his powers.

The Blues are aware they are well short of the 10-12 midfielders they need to rotate through their side even when Marc Murphy returns next year.

Adelaide’s Brad Crouch has also been raised as a potential swap for Gibbs given the Blues’ lack of midfielders.

The Blues have gone cold on Richmond’s Ben Lennon, who the Tigers believe hasn’t worked hard enough to maximise his talent.

They will start to horse-trade on a swap for half-back Tuohy in coming days, aware the Cats only want to trade a player rather than draft picks.

If the Blues could secure an exciting young midfielder from the Cats for Tuohy it would help ease the pain of losing Gibbs to Adelaide.

The last footballer to commute as he finished his vet degree — Blues football manager Andrew McKay, from Brisbane to Melbourne — said the Blues had not given up hope of Gibbs staying.

“The thing we need to remember is Zach is an uncontracted player so he is well within his rights to explore his options,’’ he said.

“Bryce is a unique situation for family reasons. It doesn’t stop it making this an opportunity for us.

“We want to make the club better, we want to build our depth, we want good young players in the establishment and that’s what we will endeavour to do.”

Originally published as Bryce Gibbs deal will rely on Carlton securing quality midfielder during trade period