PRIZED Greater Western Sydney defender Caleb Marchbank has nominated Carlton as his preferred destination.

The Blues have beaten Collingwood, Essendon and St Kilda in the race for Marchbank, subject to a trade being completed.

Marchbank met with all four clubs recently, but the Blues, whose list manager Stephen Silvagni knows the 19-year-old well, were always the frontrunner.

“The Club will work closely with both Greater Western Sydney and Caleb’s management to come to a suitable arrangement,” Silvagni said in a statement on Friday.

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GWS will want Carlton’s first choice — No. 5 — as part of the deal, but any deal is likely to see GWS giving a player or a pick back to the Blues.

Marchbank had shoulder surgery late in the season and only recently told the Giants he was leaving and coming home to Victoria.

Marchbank was heavily courted because of the relative lack of key defenders in the market place. The upcoming draft is replete with midfielders, but there are very few key position prospects.

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If a trade eventuates, Marchbank will become the fifth GWS Giant to join the club in 12 months after the Blues landed Lachie Plowman, Andrew Phillips, Liam Sumner and Jed Lamb in one fell swoop last year.

He is best suited as a key defender and would likely fill that role at Carlton. His style of play is more akin to a Jeremy McGovern than a close-checking full-back.

Injuries curtailed his 2016, when he played only two senior games. The fact that his season is over meant a decision on his future could be resolved immediately.

He was drafted at pick No.6 in the 2014 National Draft and is one of a number of Giants that are likely to depart.