The Saints, who have a need for a key defender, confirmed that they would seek to meet Carlisle and progress discussions after he told the Dons he wanted out; the Saints and Blues say they have not yet met with the talented tall defender, who is out of contract. Carlisle fits the age profile of both the Blues and Saints, but Essendon believes other clubs will enter the bidding now that he is a confirmed departure. In a club statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Essendon's football general manager Rob Kerr expressed disappointment at Carlisle's departure but said the club would work for a positive trade outcome. "Jake and his management have indicated they wish to work with the club to ensure a fair and reasonable trade deal that is appropriate for both parties, and this what we will be endeavouring to achieve," Kerr said. Carlisle joins Lachie Henderson (Carlton), Harley Bennell (Gold Coast) and Charlie Dixon (Gold Coast) as players who have already parted ways with their clubs in an already-frenzied post-season for clubs outside the finals.

The Western Bulldogs are not believed to be in the race for Carlisle, but North Melbourne coach Brad Scott has said his club has some interest in him. The Blues have first pick in the pre-season draft, which gives them significant leverage should Carlisle choose them as his destination. Carlton would not give up pick No.1 or the possible pick 2 – should they receive it as compensation for Matthew Kreuzer – for Carlisle. The Saints have pick No.5 in the national draft, based on ladder position, one spot behind Essendon. The Blues, who intend to spend 95-96 per cent of their salary cap next year, have already parted ways with key-position player Henderson, who is expected to confirm that he is seeking a trade to Geelong. Chris Yarran is yet to formally request a trade – most likely to Richmond – but the Blues are expecting that to happen soon, while Kreuzer has been offered what is believed to be a significant contract by Carlton that is still well below offers from elsewhere.

Collingwood is interested in Kreuzer, a free agent, but Fairfax Media has confirmed that the Western Bulldogs are not pursuing him. Interim Essendon coach Matthew Egan told SEN on Tuesday morning of the Bombers' fears of not being able to hold on to Carlisle. "His actions have been excellent and the way he's played ... I think he enjoyed going down back again just for some confidence and you can see how he reads the game really well and gets a lot of intercepts and uses the ball well," Egan said. "But, he hasn't signed, so that's a sign – if you're not signed on the dotted line, it's not great news. "I really hope he does [stay], because he's really important with his age demographic and how he fits in the group, and those sorts of guys don't grow on trees.

"He's a big, big man and he can play forward and back, so if we do lose him it will be a big loss, but he hasn't signed yet so that's a hard one."