Blues ‘mismanagement’ stuns as forward meets with rivals; pair keen on Hawk — Trade Whispers

One of Carlton’s gun forwards is remarkably still in the dark on his future, as he meets with other interested clubs.

And a new name has revealed itself on the potential trade table this season!

Stay up to date with all the latest player movement news with Trade Whispers!

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OWIES STILL IN LIMBO?

Blue Matthew Owies is still remarkably still without a contract offer from Carlton nearly three weeks after their elimination final loss to Brisbane.

Owies, who kicked 33 goals in 2024, trailed only Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay this year for majors kicked – but as has been well-documented in recent months, hasn’t been a first priority to re-sign.

Subsequently, the small forward has suddenly been forced to re-think his future at Ikon Park – despite being a much-loved figure at the club.

Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle panel discussed the 27-year-old’s future on Wednesday night.

“This is fascinating… it really felt like he earned his spot and was dangerous inside the forward 50, but is looking at new homes,” host Jay Clark begun by saying.

“He’s had to cancel a trip to Bali with his teammates because of his future (that) he has to sort out,” the Herald Sun’s Scotty Gullan revealed.

“He’s met with some clubs – West Coast, Gold Coast – not that it’s gone anywhere yet, but he’s had to go out there (and look).

“This is basically mismanagement by the Blues – they’ve done their numbers, and they’ve gone: ‘We’ve got too many small (forwards) already under contract, he’s the one coming out (of contract)’ – even though he’s the best.

The likes of Jesse Motlop, Lachie Fogarty, Orazio Fantasia and Corey Durdin are all seemingly ahead of Owies in the small forward pecking order under Michael Voss, in a decision that has left the likes of the Eagles and Suns ecstatic.

“Matt Owies to me looked like Carlton’s most dangerous small forwards,” Gullan added.

“I don’t think Carlton fans would be rapt seeing Matt Owies out the door, potentially losing Matt Kennedy… it is interesting.” Clark finished by saying.

Owies – who was initially a Category B after crossing over to the sport from basketball – has played 72 games since his league debut in 2020 during Covid.

INTEREST FLAGGED FOR YOUNG HAWK

Finn Maginness’ name has been thrown into the trade realm for the first time in 2024, as both cross-town and interstate rivals make their want for the 23-year-old known.

Speaking on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle, Glenn McFarlane from the Herald Sun revealed that both the Bombers and Swans are after a player of his calibre.

“Finn Maginness is an interesting one – he’s a ‘watch this space’,” McFarlane begun by saying.

“There’s been a bit of interest for him – he played 10 games this year with Box Hill in the VFL.

“There’s a couple clubs like Essendon and Sydney that are interested in potentially attracting someone like Finn Maginness.

“(He’s a) hard runner, and that’s exactly what Essendon need… he’s contracted though.”

Maginness has been employed as a hard tagger in previous years at the club – and with genuine success, having previously shut down superstars such as Nick Daicos to help guide his brown and gold to victory.

However, with the growing success of the Hawks in 2024 has come further pressure for spots in the starting 22 – with Maginness one of several Hawks unlucky to not play more senior football this season.

He has so far played 45 matches since his debut in 2020.