As he spends his final day or so at Hawthorn, Brendon Bolton will begin assembling just who he wants as his fitness chief and assistant coaches at Carlton next year.
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The Blues are adamant they have not spoken with Neil Craig for a role as a senior assistant or coaching director, despite claims from former coach Mick Malthouse that he would not be surprised if Craig went to Princes Park.
Craig, who is having his position as general manager of football performance at Essendon reviewed, and Blues chief executive Steven Trigg have a strong link from their time at the Adelaide Crows.
The Blues will leave it up to John Barker to decide whether he wants to remain at the club after just missing out on the top job. Barker will remain in a caretaker role until the end of the season, and he has been praised for his ability to galvanise the players after a disastrous start to the season. Barker had been the backline coach until he replaced the sacked Malthouse.
Robert Wiley, Malthouse's long-time lieutenant, has forged a reputation as a great developer of talent since joining the Blues and is seen a wise head who could help Bolton in his formative years. He had been the director of coaching and development before replacing Barker as backline coach.
Dean Laidley, who has been in charge of the midfield and elevated Bryce Gibbs last year into elite status, and forwards coach Brad Green are also off contract.
Fitness chief David Buttifant, another long-time Malthouse lieutenant, also faces a nervous wait, with a new senior coach typically bringing in a fresh head of fitness.
The Brisbane Lions said on Wednesday physical performance manager Brett Burton would leave the club. He, too, is a former Adelaide Crow.
Bolton will not be in the Hawks' coaches box against Brisbane on Saturday and will officially start with the Blues on Monday. However, football operations chief Andrew McKay said he would keep his distance from the team and Barker, giving him time to assess what immediately needs to be done.
One of Bolton's priorities will be list management, and he will work closely with recruiting chief Steve Silvagni.
The Blues will make at least three changes ahead of their clash against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday. Skipper Marc Murphy, Levi Casboult and Kristian Jaksch are injured, with Murphy set to have surgery on his dislocated shoulder next week.
