Mick to wait on Waite’s AFL decision

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse remains unsure whether Saturday’s AFL clash will be the last for Brock McLean and Jarrad Waite in the navy blue.

The Blues face Essendon at the MCG in their season finale, playing for pride and the chance to impinge on their traditional rivals’ finals preparations.

Carlton have offered Waite a contract, but the free agent is expected to attract plenty of suitors in the off-season frenzy.

“He’s contracted up to a certain period. You want him to play good football in that period, then he makes a decision,” Malthouse said on Friday.

“I don’t get too caught up in something that is beyond my control.

“We can paint the picture that this is the place he should play.

“But he may get painted another picture that this (another side) is where the money is and where he should finish his career.”

North Melbourne are believed to be among the clubs keen to sign the 31-year-old key forward, who has enjoyed a purple patch in the second half of the season.

“A few weeks ago he kicked a bag on me. He’s a very good player, so if that was to happen – I wouldn’t say no,” North defender Lachie Hansen said of Waite’s prospective move to Arden St.

Ex-Melbourne midfielder McLean is yet to re-sign, Malthouse saying he would be “very surprised” if the 28-year-old is not at the club next year.

But the three-time premiership coach suggested it was too early to be certain.

“This is not (a case) that Brock’s in a position that he’s going to be chopped from the list. Simply, I want to talk to Brock and see where he is,” Malthouse said.

“He was finding it pretty tough (earlier in the season), but he’s rejuvenated himself.”

McLean returns from a calf injury against the Bombers, while Dennis Armfield and Matthew Watson also earned recalls.

Malthouse insisted he was firmly focused on the weekend’s match, not the club’s 2015 campaign or associated list management decisions.

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