By Jake Niall
Carlton are close to finalising a heavily reduced two-year contract for intercepting defender Mitch McGovern and are likely to offer a contract to another revived player, David Cuningham.
As the Blues weigh up the futures of several players – with Zac Fisher and Paddy Dow potentially on the move – Carlton and industry sources confirmed they had moved to secure McGovern on a two-year deal that will see him paid a fraction of the estimated $750,000-plus per season, five-year deal that he signed when crossing from Adelaide in 2018.
Mitch McGovern’s career at Carlton looks like it will be extended for two more years.Credit: Getty Images
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Cuningham is likely to be offered a contract, having successfully returned to the side in June after not playing at AFL level for 763 days. The 26-year-old has had a wretched run with injury over his career, including a knee reconstruction in 2021.
But his leg speed and ability to apply pressure offers the Blues traits they largely lack. He has not played in a losing Carlton senior team this season, having returned for the club’s game against Gold Coast in round 14; the beginning ofits winning streak of seven.
McGovern, who injured his hamstring and will miss this weekend’s clash with Melbourne, has played 18 games in what has clearly been his best season at Carlton, with senior coach Michael Voss backing him in as a rebounding and intercepting defender.
Caleb Marchbank and Jack Silvagni’s futures are yet to be determined. Marchbank also returned to the side recently after enduring a succession of injuries during his time at Carlton. That pair are also out of contract.
David Cuningham’s return to the senior team has coincided with Carlton’s resurgence this season.Credit: Getty
Silvagni has played 16 games this year, mixing a forward role with relief rucking when one of either Tom De Koning or Marc Pittonet hasn’t played.
Dow is out of contract and, as this masthead reported, has attracted interest from St Kilda. Fisher, a West Australian, will consider a move to another Melbourne club, rather than back to Perth, according to a source with knowledge of Fisher’s position who did not wish to be identified.
The Blues have flagged that they plan to invest in the draft this year, having traded heavily to bring in Adam Cerra, Zac Williams, Adam Saad and Blake Acres since 2020. Luckless youngster Sam Philp, defender Lachie Plowman and forward Josh Honey also are out of contract this year and have uncertain futures.
Dow and Fisher had probably their best performances of this year against St Kilda on Sunday. Dow had an impact in the midfield in the second half, while Fisher – who is still under contract – had 32 disposals and scored votes from the coaches.
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