Blues hoping to land Suns' Martin in AFL

The Blues were unable to secure a trade in October for Martin, with the versatile West Australian set to enter the pre-season draft in a bid to land at Carlton.

The complicating factor is Gold Coast hold pick No.1 in the pre-season draft, with Melbourne also having an opportunity to take Martin before Carlton can swoop at pick No.3.

Betts, who returned to Carlton earlier this year from Adelaide, said he'd spoken to the 24-year-old before the trade period.

"I know before the trade (period), we spoke about if it does happen and if he does come to Carlton, it would be good," Betts said.

"And it's always good to have more brothers on the team and, hopefully, hopefully, the deal can get done.

"I'm not sure (if Martin is confident the deal can get done) because I haven't really spoken in depth with him.

"But like I said, that's up to Gold Coast and Carlton to work that out but, fingers crossed, it can get done."

Carlton co-captain Cripps, who knows Martin from their time together in Western Australia's junior representative teams, says he's maintained contact with the Suns' player.

"I've talked to Jack a little bit," Cripps said.

"He went to school up in Geraldton, (a) boarding school which is about 50km from my home town so I knew him from (when) I played state U15s with him - so I've always touched base along the way.

"He's a ripper player, so we'll see how that pans out."

Australian Associated Press