Garlett may be heading west
Carlton will consider trading Jeff Garlett at the end of the season and the WA forward is a strong chance to be at another AFL club next year.
West Coast will have the option of targeting the opportunistic goal kicker at a time when the club is exploring a potential bid for unlucky Hawthorn ruckman Luke Lowden.
It is believed the Eagles are one of up to three clubs looking to secure 23-year-old Lowden, who showcased his considerable potential against the Eagles on debut earlier this year.
Lowden booted three goals and had 15 hit-outs in the round-12 win over West Coast in Launceston in what remains his only AFL game. He is coming out of contract and is desperate for more opportunities after almost six seasons at the Hawks.
The 204cm ruckman has been targeted with West Coast looking to strengthen their ruck depth given Dean Cox will retire at the end of the season and emerging big man Scott Lycett is still yet to re-sign.
The Eagles could also be in the market for a small forward such as Garlett. Jamie Cripps and Josh Hill have been unable to nail down their spots playing a similar role this year.
Cripps had a solid first half of the season, kicking 19 goals before being dropped. Hill has managed just three goals from four matches in 2014.
Both forwards have been recalled to face the Crows at Adelaide Oval today with Hill's AFL career seemingly in the balance.
Garlett, 24, has not played for the Blues since being axed in the wake of the club's narrow round-12 loss to Geelong.
His form for VFL affiliate Northern Blues since has been poor, culminating in being held goalless and to six disposals against Werribee at Visy Park a fortnight ago.
The Swan Districts product was overlooked for Thursday night's game against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.
Coach Mick Malthouse preferred David Ellard, Tom Bell and rookie-listed WA forward Blaine Johnson.
_The Weekend West _understands family issues have played a part in Garlett's form slump this season and that a return to WA would be an attractive option.
He has kicked just 12 goals in nine matches this season.
A trade appears the most likely avenue to get some value from the 2009 No.6 rookie draft selection if the Blues decide to part ways with him. He is coming out of contract and still has currency, having been their leading goal kicker last year.
Garlett has twice booted more than 40 goals in a season while at Carlton - an output usually associated with elite small forwards.
He showed last year that he was capable of applying defensive pressure in attack.
