That would leave them holding picks 6, 26, 27 and 28 - one of the strongest hands in a good draft - with the potential to package up some of those selections for a higher pick or two.

Cooney signed a two-year contract last year, and would be eligible again for free agency at the end of next season. The 29-year-old is understood to be content to leave the club, where he has played 219 games since being chosen at No. 1 in the 2003 draft.

The Blues have already agreed on a prospective contract with Jones, who wants out after six years at the Dogs.

The extent of Carlton's interest in Cooney since the package deal was proposed was not clear on Tuesday night.

The mooted trade could yet be scuttled, given the Blues are considering using pick 28 in a trade for former No. 12 draft pick Kristian Jaksch, who wants to be traded to Carlton from Greater Western Sydney.