Dockers chief executive Steve Rosich confirmed on Tuesday the Blues had contacted him about reaching out to the highly respected Lloyd, who has previously worked at Collingwood and Hawthorn. "I did receive a call from Steven Trigg just seeking my counsel on Simon. They sought the opportunity to have a chat to him, and that first-base chat has taken place," Rosich said. "Now they'll consider whether Simon is one of the guys who goes to the second phase." Rosich said he was not yet concerned about the possibility of Lloyd departing the club before the end of the finals series should he secure the Blues job. Lyon said Lloyd, the brother of Essendon great Matthew, would have the opportunity to complete the season with the club should the Blues appoint him before the Dockers' campaign is over. "If Simon said, 'I've got the job, I'm committed [and] I'll work through', you could trust Simon with that," Lyon said on 3AW.

"That wouldn't worry me at all. The club position is, he's contracted, we're supportive but we wouldn't want it to get in the way of our campaign. But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. "Nothing would make me happier than for Simon to get a senior job. Simon's a really authentic person, and really knowledgeable and would love an opportunity." Hawthorn assistant Brendon Bolton and Swans counterpart Stuart Dew have also been linked to the role. As the Blues prepare to face a Hawthorn side on Friday night that Barker believes "is probably the best team of the modern era", the interim coach says the Blues are right to conduct a thorough hunt. "The club has got to do due diligence and do the best they can to make sure they allow for the best possible future for this club and I completely understand that. Who they choose is who they choose. They have got to do their due diligence," he said.

Barker said he had been delighted with the manner in which the players had reacted to his appointment. "It's been a great experience. I have been really humbled by the response of the players. The fact that they have been able to grow, their endeavour, and play in a manner we have asked them to play in, albeit their execution and decision making hasn't quite got to a great standard yet. We are working hard on that," he said. Some would say the Blues face an almost insurmountable challenge when they tackle the surging Hawks, who have regained their flourish through seven straight wins after an inconsistent start to the season. They rank No.1 for scoring this season (112.3 points per game) and boast the third-best defence, conceding an average of 70.5 points. The Blues, though, will have the added incentive of attempting to do the right thing by skipper Marc Murphy, who will step out for his 200th match. "Marc Murphy is an outstanding Carlton person. His leadership over the last six or seven weeks since I have taken over has been outstanding. His want to drive this place to a better standard, to an environment that is going to allow us to be a really good football club has been nothing but first class," Barker said.

Murphy, a priority selection in the 2005 national draft, has yet to enjoy a win over the Hawks. The Blues have lost 11 straight to Alastair Clarkson's men, with their last win in round six, 2005 - a match Murphy did not take part in. "Hawthorn is not undefeated this year, so we don't think they're undefeatable. But we're well aware of the size of the task at hand," Barker said. "We'll go in very inexperienced again, and it's very good for the Carlton Football Club and our members to see bits and pieces of the future. "What I am looking forward to about the game is that we have so many inexperienced players that get to learn and get great education from one of the best teams of the modern era, probably the best team of the modern era. The experience for those guys will be invaluable." The Blues will again be without injured pair Andrew Walker (knee) and Nick Graham (foot), with Barker pointing out the rebuilding club has already used 40 players this season.