BLUES EYE ROCKLIFF GAMBLE
CARLTON’S pursuit of Tom Rockliff could dilute its prized draft pick should the Blues sign the restricted free agent on a mega contract.
The Blues currently hold the No.3 draft pick but that would slide to No.4 if Rockliff departs and the Lions receive maximum compensation.
The AFL determines the level of compensation, and Brisbane expects to either receive pick No.2 (a firstround selection) or No.19 (a second-round selection) should Rockliff, 27, walk.
While the Blues – and every club – would only be relegated one draft position, moving from pick three to pick four increases the risk of missing the club’s top target.
Powerful Western Jets midfielder and early No.1 favourite Cameron Rayner is a chance to be available for the Blues at pick three. List bosses yesterday suggested Rockliff would need to command more than $750,000 per season for the Lions to receive a first-round selection, a No.2 pick.