Carlton are confident tall utility Lachie Henderson will remain at the club, as Geelong express frustration that it has been linked with several off-contract players.

Henderson has repeatedly said he wants to play "good football" and will wait to see the direction the rebuilding club takes before deciding whether to sign a new deal.

He remains one of the Blues' more coveted players, although he has played regularly inside attacking 50 metres this season when some consider his best spot is in defence.

The Cats have emerged as a strong suitor, and could offer him a lucrative deal should he decide to leave. He hails from the south-west Victorian town of Birregurra, about 60 kilometres from Geelong, and was schooled at Geelong College.

Blues list manager Steve Silvagni said on Tuesday he had recently met Henderson's manager, Tom Petoro.

"We're comfortable with where things sit at the minute. We met probably a week to 10 days ago so that was our last conversation," Silvagni said. "There were some positive signs there."

Many in the football industry believe Patrick Dangerfield, who grew up in Moggs Creek along the Great Ocean Road, will quit the Crows once the season is done and join the Cats.

His manager Paul Connors has said the only reason Dangerfield would move is to be closer to his family.

Cats coach Chris Scott said on Tuesday he had empathy for the position the Crows found themselves in.

"I can understand that their supporters in South Australia in general would be disappointed if they lost one of their key players," Scott said.

"It's unfortunate from our perspective that we seem to be the ones linked with not only Patty but a range of players. As we've done all season, we'll keep being disciplined with our responses.

"We empathise with the way they feel and because of that it's important we don't add any more fuel to the fire."

Dangerfield is a restricted free agent, meaning the Crows can match the offer, forcing the star midfielder to stay or nominate for the pre-season draft or to seek a trade.

Henderson is in his eighth season but does not qualify as a free agent because his first two seasons were with the Brisbane Lions.

The Cats, with several players still off contract, could also take aim at Scott Selwood, the brother of captain Joel, who is off contract with the West Coast Eagles.