Carlton eyes Tom Rockliff who is yet to sign new contract with Brisbane Lions

CARLTON may chase Tom Rockliff as they try to keep Bryce Gibbs, Port big man Jackson Trengove looks to Whitten Oval and Tigers continue to eye Josh Schache.

Tom Rockliff pushes away Blue Matthew Wright during the Round 18 clash. Picture: AAP

CARLTON has emerged as a possible suitor for free agent Tom Rockliff with the Blues also intent on holding superstar South Australian Bryce Gibbs to his 2019 contract.

Rockliff, 27, is unsure where his future lies and is yet to sign the contract tabled by the Lions this year.

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The former skipper placed third in Brisbane’s best-and-fairest and has received glowing feedback for his attitude this season after Dayne Beams replaced him as captain.

Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak said his team wants the Benalla boy, while it is understood Geelong has inquired through Rockliff’s management.

Could Tom Rockliff be in navy blue next year? Picture: Getty Images

The Power is set to lose restricted free agent Jackson Trengove to the Western Bulldogs.

The utility’s departure would free up salary cap space and a list spot, although if Port then signed Rockliff that would almost certainly cancel out a compensation draft selection for Trengove.

“(Rockliff) is a pretty good player,” Boak said.

“He’s certainly one the club will look at.”

The Lions are set to hold the keys to the first-round of the draft. They boast picks 1, 12 and 18 and could then receive selections for Rockliff and Josh Schache should they depart.

After winning just 12 games in the past three seasons they are also likely to ask the AFL for another priority draft pick.

Schache, 20, is a hot chance to be traded back to Victoria despite re-signing only three months ago and his manager declaring he would not be requesting a trade.

Rockliff would add some badly-needed grunt and experience to the Blues’ engine room. He won 127 clearances, ranked No.14 in the AFL, from 20 games this year.

The Lions are aware of Carlton’s interest in Rockliff. The Blues have also re-signed David Cuningham until 2019, who was selected with the first-round selection received as part of the Chris Yarran trade.

Gibbs led the Blues with 109 and then Patrick Cripps finished second with 101 despite playing only 15 matches.

Free agent Jackson Trengove (left) might be calling Luke Dahlhaus a teammate. Picture Sarah Reed

Rockliff joining Gibbs and Marc Murphy would ease the pressure on Cripps, 22. Given the Blues only hold draft picks 4, 38 and 56, signing Rockliff as a free agent would appeal.

The star midfielder is the best player left in the dwindling pool of free agents.

The Lions would likely receive pick 19 as compensation, although if a club swooped with a godfather offer the AFL could potentially deliver Brisbane the No.2 draft pick.

Melbourne received the No.3 pick as compensation for losing James Frawley to Hawthorn.

Rockliff could still decide to stay at the Gabba. His situation has been in a holding pattern recently.

The 2014 All-Australian is booked for shoulder surgery, while his partner is due to give birth shortly.

Richmond is Schache’s most likely destination if he departs and the Tigers already hold two first-round draft selections, which will fall between picks 14-17.

The Herald Sun revealed last week that Melbourne clubs were still targeting the goalkicker after he skipped the Lions’ NEAFL premiership and drove back to Seymour.