FRESH from landing a new chief executive, Carlton is circling Sydney young gun Tom Mitchell.

Mitchell, 21, is tied to the Swans until the end of 2016 but is struggling to get a game for the premiership favourites.

The Blues have been pursuing the highly-rated midfielder and were surprised to learn that Sydney, which enjoys a controversial $1 million salary cap bonus, is paying him more than $400,000 a season.

The Blues today confirmed Adelaide chief executive Steven Trigg as their new chief executive.

Trigg, who was suspended by the AFL for six months over his role in the Kurt Tippett salary cap scandal at the end of 2012, will replace Greg Swann. Trigg will join the Blues on August 18 after finalising his role with the Crows.

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His appointment to Carlton was confirmed at a board meeting on Monday night, with Trigg announcing his resignation from Adelaide on Tuesday, saying he just knew the “time was right” to move on after 17 years at the club — with more than 12 spent as CEO.

“The pure logic of joining a great club in Carlton, I couldn’t get it out of my head,” Trigg said.

“There will be mixed views about me going to another club. I have a passion for the game and want to stay in the game.”

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Carlton president Mark LoGiudice said Trigg was the best candidate from an “extensive recruitment process”.

“We have ensured that no stone has been left unturned in our search for a new chief executive,” LoGiudice said.

“Steven was among a host of candidates from around the globe who were interviewed for this position. He impressed us with his business and football experience, and his vision to take our football club forward.

“Importantly he comes with the AFL’s full endorsement.

“This is a significant appointment for Carlton and I am very pleased Steven will be joining our team.”

media_camera Tom Mitchell in action for Sydney against GWS in Round 1.

One of Trigg’s first jobs when arriving at Visy Park will be managing the Blues’ list — including trading in the likes of young Swan Mitchell.

Mitchell joined the Swans under the AFL’s father-son rule in 2011 and had a breakout season last year.

Injuries and opportunity have restricted him to just four games this year and he has strong family links to Visy Park.

His manager, Phil Mullen, said he was unaware of Carlton’s approaches.

“Let me say if they are, I know nothing about it,” Mullen said.

“They certainly haven’t contacted me — but funny things happen in business sometimes.”

Mitchell’s father, Barry, played 170 games for Sydney, 13 for Collingwood and 38 for Carlton between 1984-96.

He was an assistant coach at the Blues from 2003-07.

Mitchell Sr said he was not aware of Carlton’s interest.

“He (Tom) is pretty happy up there,” Mitchell said.

media_camera Adelaide CEO Steven Trigg will join Carlton next month.

“He’s had a bit of a run of different things this year. Probably at the start of the year when they weren’t in great form he was rested and since then they haven’t lost a game.

“He’s been a little bit unlucky in that regard. And he’s missed a few weeks here and there with a couple of little impact injuries. But the club are having a great year and it’s a good place to be.”

Mitchell made headlines in the lower grade NEAFL with a stunning 64-possession, four-goal game in May.

He hasn’t played for the Swans since the Round 4 clash with North Melbourne.

Carlton and Sydney declined to comment.