MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 01: Patrick Cripps of the Blues looks dejected after a loss during the 2022 AFL Round 16 match between the Carlton Blues and the St Kilda Saints at Marvel Stadium on July 01, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Zippy Blue fishing for opportunities elsewhere
After missing Carlton’s finals matches Zac Fisher is considering options at another club
ZIPPY Carlton utility Zac Fisher is eyeing more opportunities at a rival club after being left out of the Blues’ pulsating finals run, player-manager Andrew McDougall has confirmed.
As reported by AFL.com.au’s Inside Trading last week, Fisher is expected to request a trade to North Melbourne, with a multi-year offer looming given he is contracted at Carlton for another two seasons.
Fisher fell out of selection favor in 2023 but sent a strong reminder of his talent later in the season when he was recalled to play off half-back from round 21.
The 25-year-old averaged 27 disposals over the last month of the home-and-away season before being dropped again for finals.
Fisher’s manager McDougall told Gettable the pair would discuss his future over coffee on Monday afternoon.
“We’re going to go have a coffee down in Southbank and have a chat about everything,” McDougall said.
“It’s probably more about opportunity for Zac. He loves all the players there, such a great club, Carlton, and he’s got some really close friends.
“It’s more an opportunity piece for him if things do eventuate. He’s had a bit of interest from a few clubs, obviously getting dropped a few times in the lead-up, so I’ll catch up with him after this and see what happens this week.”
Quizzed on the sort of role North Melbourne pitched, McDougall said Fisher, nicknamed ‘Slippery Fish’ for his evasive skill, was keen on more midfield minutes and excelled off half-back.
“He came back into the side at Carlton and played half-back. He’s got that versatility to play small forward, he’d probably like a bit more midfield time as well,” McDougall said.
“A few clubs have spoken about what he could add for their team. He’d like to stay in Melbourne, so that was a priority for him, he’s happy and settled here.”
McDougall said it was “still a bit early” to speculate on what North Melbourne would have to pay up in a trade to secure Fisher’s services.
