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ONLY a failed medical examination will stop Carlton from gaining Collingwood star Dale Thomas despite talks with the Magpies continuing.
Free agent Thomas is set to have scans on his injured ankle scrutinised by Carlton as the Blues prepare to make him an offer as early as next week.
But while few at Collingwood have any hope the 26-year-old will stay, the Pies will hand him a final contract offer in the coming days.
That will come before the three-week free agency period starts tomorrow week, when the Blues will offer Thomas a deal of up to five years and well over $3 million.
Collingwood then has three days to match the offer, which would keep him a Magpie.
But just as the Pies have agreed to trade Heath Shaw,there is a concession the Pies would be "irresponsible'' to match a massive offer for Thomas.
Carlton legend Anthony Koutoufides said yesterday Thomas was just what the Blues' midfield needed.
"I think he will make a massive impact to the club if he comes down,'' he said.
"It depends on his injury, but if you are talking Dale Thomas at 100 per cent, he would be an amazing inclusion to the team. You always look for finals players, and that's what he is. They are the ones you want as part of your team.
Relationship ... Dale Thomas could join former coach Mick Malthouse. Source: News Limited
"We are a quick side but we do need pace and you can't get enough quality midfielders.''
Thomas said recently he was extremely confident of passing any fitness test.
Carlton is one of eight Melbourne clubs chasing Greater Western Sydney midfielder Taylor Adams, whose price rises by the day given the strong interest.
Brisbane's former no. 12 draft Sam Docherty has Carlton and then Essendon at the top of his wish list, but will talk to new coach Justin Leppitsch in coming days about his future.
Carlton's Shaun Hampson will definitely be on the trade table after fellow ruckman Robert Warnock's strong finish to the season, with Jeremy Laidler also looking for a new home.
While there is continued speculation about Chris Yarran's future, the Blues are determined to hang on to him, saying under no circumstances will he be traded.
They seem destined to lose Eddie Betts to Adelaide.
Rat pack ... Nathan Buckley talks to Dane Swan. Source: News Limited
Under the net effect rule, any free agency compensation draft pick for him would be neutralised by the addition of Thomas.
Thomas's probable departure effectively spells the end of the "Rat Pack'' at Collingwood. Alan Didak has been delisted, Ben Johnson was nudged into retirement, and Heath Shaw will probably be elsewhere.
given the quality candidates who want him.Dane Swan, another member, has by all accounts been a model citizen this year while Dayne Beams is in the Pies'e four-man leadership group.
Melbourne yesterday expressed interest in Shaw, for whom Geelong and North Melbourne lead the chase.
Meanwhile, Carlton will need to have its medicos scrutinise Thomas, who continues to do rehabilitation work on his ankle at Westpac Centre.
There are still serious question marks over the ankle and one surgeon recommended an operation that would put him out for most of next season.
But just as Collingwood and Essendon passed up a trade for Steve Johnson over bad ankles, the Blues face a tough decision.
If the Blues are to commit more than $3 million to Thomas, they will want a sound investment.
The end of the Rat Pack?
Heath Shaw
Admits he has to change after lacking on and off-field restraint, but is almost certain to be traded. Was too public about his negative opinions to teammates and in team meetings this year.
Dale Thomas
No fan of Leading Teams or the meetings that it entails, Thomas is a free agent who should get to Carlton. Much closer to Mick Malthouse than current coach Nathan Buckley.
Ben Johnson
Johnson was an early lightning rod for controversial behaviour but calmed down in latter years. Very tight with Heath Shaw and Alan Didak.
Alan Didak
Didak admitted to a strained relationship with Nathan Buckley this week, and felt he was wrongly overlooked for many games this year. Could he get to Carlton?
Dane Swan
A turbulent off-season involving many headlines but took it upon himself to knuckle down after some tough love from president Eddie McGuire. No issues at all from Swan this year.
Dayne Beams
Pulled his head in despite being close friends with most of the Rat Packers. In the four-man leadership group and very much on the same page as coach Buckley.
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