Adam Cerra’s career-defining decision is at least two weeks away, but already it now appears his choice is between two clubs: Fremantle and Carlton.

Essendon is not interested and is prioritising the draft and a key position player, while the Tigers are no longer in the hunt, according to multiple sources.

SCROLL DOWN TO CHAT LIVE WITH TOM MORRIS FROM 1PM (AEST)

Watch the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14 Days Free Now >

It leaves the Blues as the only option for Cerra if he decides to leave the Dockers and come home.

Although the midfielder is mainly considering a move due to family reasons, Carlton’s uncertain coaching situation has muddied the waters somewhat in recent weeks.

He does not want to commit to a club when he does not know who will be coaching them in 2022.

Fremantle, by contrast, is in a stable position. Justin Longmuir has a year to run on his contract and the club would be happy for him to sign either a two or four-year deal.

Of the other Melbourne-based clubs, Collingwood, St Kilda and Melbourne don’t have the cash ($700,000 to 750,000 will be his annual salary if he stays at Freo), while the Western Bulldogs are already well stocked with midfielders.

North Melbourne has the money now Josh Kelly has re-signed, but it is questionable whether Cerra would want to go to the Roos or Hawks as both clubs are rebuilding.

The question rival clubs are asking about the Blues’ interest in Cerra is: How can they afford him and how does a trade get done?

Sam Petrevski-Seton is increasingly likely to return home and the Dockers are the front-runner there, which could form part of a Cerra trade. Equally, Jack Silvagni is out of contract at season’s end, while Paddy Dow and Will Setterfield are contracted players but could be part of trade discussions.

LISTEN TO THE LATEST EDITION OF THE FOX FOOTY PODCAST BELOW, OR TAP TO SUBSCRIBE IN ITUNES OR SPOTIFY

In the back of list manager Nick Austin’s mind must be Sam Walsh’s rapid rise. He is out of contract at the end of 2022 and by then could command close to a seven-figure sum, based on his recent trajectory.

Also complicating matters for Carlton is that it gave up Pick 8 (with some later swaps) last year for Adam Saad. Would the Blues be prepared to give up another top 10 selection in 2021 for Cerra, as the Dockers would surely demand?

Amid all this uncertainty at the Blues, what’s crystal clear for Cerra is he holds the upper hand.

And in a trade period where there are very few notable players on the market, the focus is firmly on him.

HAVE A TRADE QUESTION FOR TOM? POST BELOW. HE WILL BE CHATTING AT 1PM (AEST)

If you can’t see the blog below, tap here.