Home

Carlton’s bid to get Fremantle’s Adam Cerra ‘hits snag’ as club grapples with giving up prized draft pick

Headshot of Catherine Healey
Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
Adam Cerra has a big decision to make on his future.
Camera IconAdam Cerra has a big decision to make on his future. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

A deal to get Fremantle midfielder Adam Cerra back to Victoria has “hit a snag” according to SEN reporter Sam Edmund, with claims the Blues are unwilling to part with their prized first round draft pick.

Cerra remains out of contract at the end of 2021 and despite a four-year deal on the table from the Dockers, has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Whispers of his longing to return home to Victoria have only grown in recent weeks, with Carlton the main suitor interested in securing Cerra’s services.

Speaking on SEN on Tuesday, Edmund said a potential deal to get the 21-year-old former first round draft pick to the Blues was now “muddy”.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW
Caleb Serong gives teammate Adam Cerra some encouragement.
Camera IconCaleb Serong gives teammate Adam Cerra some encouragement. Credit: Paul Kane/via AFL Photos

“The Adam Cerra story has taken something of an interesting turn,” Edmund reported.

The Game AFL 2024

“The Fremantle midfielder is keen on getting back to Melbourne. The Blues are interested. He won’t be going to Essendon, Richmond don’t have the depth of funds that Carlton do.

“Carlton are just crying out for midfield depth but their pursuit has hit something of a snag in recent times. That’s because the Blues don’t want to part with their one and only first round pick – which at the moment is pick six.”

Carlton’s next draft pick currently stands at 25, which is unlikely to satisfy Fremantle’s demands, Edmund warned.

“Freo would believe after four years of development that he is about to really hit his straps. They’ll command a first round pick for him, it might very well be a first round pick at a minimum,” Edmund said.

“Do you hand over pick six for Adam Cerra? At the moment, they’re not going to do that the Blues.

“Their best players are draft picks.

Adam Cerra is yet to decide his future.
Camera IconAdam Cerra is yet to decide his future. Credit: Kelly Defina/via AFL Photos

“They paid a big draft price for Adam Saad and a big financial price for Zac Williams.”

SEN’s Tim Watson and Garry Lyon agreed Cerra had yet to put in a full season to justify his hefty price tag.

“I know the contracts and the dollars changes every year. When I’m hearing $750 (thousand), oomph. He’s a good player, (but) I just don’t know,” Lyon said.

“I’m not sure he’s going to be the Cerra on top,” Watson joked.

Just last week Cerra said he was in no rush to decide his future, and would be happy to leave any deal until the end of the season.

“I’ll know when I know. I just have to wait and see when that is,” he said.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails