Carlton launch bid to poach West Coast’s uncontracted speedster Campbell Chesser

Carlton are circling West Coast first-round pick Campbell Chesser as they eye more athletic ball users for 2026.

7NEWS understands Chesser is weighing up an approach from the Blues or re-committing to the Eagles where he has a two-year contract offer.

The 22-year-old impressed in the final four matches of the season after ankle surgery in February derailed the early stages of his campaign.

Chesser, who hails from Albury, was highly touted for his athletic traits and sharp ball use when he was taken at pick No.14 in the 2021 AFL draft.

Both are key ingredients Carlton have identified this off-season as they attempt to add to their transition game after a season being contest focused saw them miss out on finals.

Essendon have also expressed a level of interest in Chesser, however the Blues are seen as the frontrunners for his services should he depart the Eagles.

He has struck up a close bond with 2023 No.1 pick Harley Reid who last year re-committed to the Eagles until the end of 2028.

Chesser has played 36 games in an injury-interrupted four-year stint at West Coast.

“I think we’ve all seen the last three weeks what we were hoping we would see from Campbell as a player, and he’s got a really exciting future with our football club,” Eagles coach Andrew McQualter said of Chesser before West Coast’s final game of the season.

Carlton have already bid farewell to Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni and are fending off rival interest in contracted forward Charlie Curnow, who recently met with Sydney coach Dean Cox.

The Blues last week asked Elijah Hollands to explore his trade options due to off-field behaviour despite having a year to run on his deal.

The Blues have also spoken with Western Bulldogs tall Buku Khamis and have registered interest in Gold Coast small forward Malcolm Rosas and Hawthorn ruckman Ned Reeves.

Defender Nick Haynes is expected to win a contract for next season, however Blues including Mitch McGovern, Brodie Kemp and Jesse Motlop remain unsigned.