Kreuzer's management, Elite Sports Properties, and the Blues are set to meet next week, in what will be the first step towards the former number one draft remaining with the club.

Kreuzer has indicated a wish to remain at Carlton, and is renowned for his loyalty to the Blues, but he is a restricted free agent (in his eighth year) and has the option of exercising his rights and seeking another club.

Like Geelong's Joel Selwood, Kreuzer spurned a massive Tom Scully-like long-term offer from Greater Western Sydney when the Giants were entering the competition, signing with the Blues instead for far fewer dollars.

Both Carlton and the Kreuzer camp were happy to wait until the ruckman had made a successful return from his lengthy absence to a serious foot injury before starting contract discussions.

Should Kreuzer re-sign, as expected, that would leave key position swingman Lachie Henderson as the only significant out of contract player for the Blues, who would be near certain to receive a first round pick from Geelong if Henderson decided to join the Cats.

Henderson is weighing up his future and also waiting to see who is appointed the next Carlton senior coach – a process that has some distance to travel, with caretaker John Barker winning strong reviews from staff and players.

Kreuzer has played the last five games in the seniors and built steadily, having been grounded with significant feet injuries for most of 2013 and 2014.

The Blues have been far more competitive since his return against Adelaide in round 10.

Essendon, meanwhile, has been in contract discussions with Jake Carlisle's management.

While Carlisle has been subject of speculation about leaving the Dons and has attracted interest from the Western Bulldogs, the Bombers have been in talks about an extension for the key position player, who has been playing as a forward in 2014 and 2015 but has played his most consistent football in defence.

Carlton wants to have a significant hand in the 2015 draft – which would mean trading a player out – but has said that they want to retain a strong core of senior players and avoid a completely ruthless culling.

Hawthorn has all but agreed to terms with one of its key off-field figures, with list manager Graham Wright set to remain at the Hawks until the end of 2018.

Wright, who had been approached by Carlton last year, has a year to run on his contract but has agreed to an extension for a further two years.

Wright, who handles much of the contract negotiations for the Hawks and pilots their list management and recruiting, has been a key player in the club's successful pursuit of recruits from rival clubs and management of the salary cap.