Young Cat reportedly "pretty keen" to get to Carlton

Geelong small forward Lachie Fogarty is open to joining Carlton, according to AFL Media’s Mitch Cleary.

The Blues’ reported interest in the 21-year-old was revealed last week, with Cleary confirming both player and club are eager to work something out.

The 22nd selection in the 2017 National Draft, Fogarty has played 23 career games, with six of those in 2020.

He has been sidelined by various injuries, including serious hip surgery in 2019.

Cleary said the small forward would like to get to Carlton, but is contracted with the Cats for 2021.

“Over the weekend I’ve learned that (the interest) pretty strong from Carlton. We’ve all been waiting to see who the third fish was, they’ve got Zac Williams and Adam Saad, but it looks like now it could be Lachie Fogarty from Geelong,” he told AFL Trade Radio.

“He was taken in the same draft as Tim Kelly a couple of years back, but he just hasn’t got his body right and the Blues think they can do that.

“I think Lachie is pretty keen to explore it, but the Geelong Football Club have him contracted for one more (year), so they’re going to want something in return if they let him walk.

“He fits that need for Carlton as a small forward who can play a bit of midfield time if they want. He’s predominantly a small forward.

“He hasn’t done a pre-season for two years, so a bit of a speculative one, but if I’m Lachie Fogarty I’m looking at it as well because they’re bringing Shaun Higgins in, they’re bringing these players in and it’s going to be hard for him to get a game.

“There’s a bit to play out on that one.”