CARLTON will turn to the son of a club legend to replace Stephen Silvagni as its new head of list management, poaching Western Bulldogs recruiting manager Nick Austin for the role.

AFL.com.au understands Austin, who is the son of 1979 Blues premiership player and 220-game club stalwart Rod Austin, is set to win the chief list management position after two seasons at the Whitten Oval.

Carlton had been on the lookout for a new head of list management after Silvagni departed the club in early December, with Austin's strong talent evaluation skills believed to be among the main reasons for his appointment.

Austin recruited first-round picks Bailey Smith and Cody Weightman during his time as the Western Bulldogs' recruiting manager, while he also spent three seasons working for the club as an opposition analyst across a successful 15-year career in the AFL industry.

His CV also includes three years as an opposition analyst with Port Adelaide, as well as six years with Richmond as its list management and recruiting officer.

Rod 'Curly' Austin in action during his playing days in 1985. Picture: AFL Photos

The shakeup within Carlton's recruiting department will see Michael Agresta's position focus more on player acquisition, while Paul Brodie will retain his role as national recruiting manager as the club hopes for a new streamlined approach to its list and recruiting strategy.

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Austin will win the role after Silvagni left the club at the conclusion of his contract in early December, with the Blues citing "the complexity of having two sons on the playing list" as the central reason for his departure.

Two of Silvagni's children, Jack and Ben, were recruited to the club as father-son selections during his five-year tenure at Ikon Park. Jack has played 60 senior games for Carlton, while Ben is yet to make his AFL debut.

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Austin is expected to begin his new role after Carlton's pre-season training camp in Mooloolaba next week.