Waite's future remains a point of debate, with the Blues offering him a guaranteed one-year deal with a trigger clause for a second season. It's believed he has two offers from rival clubs, including North Melbourne, which could include a guaranteed second season. If he was to leave, the Blues would not receive any compensation as he is an unrestricted free agent.

Waite, 31, will play his 184th – and possibly last – game for the Blues against Essendon at the MCG on Saturday. He could make a call on his future as early as Monday.

Waite kicked four goals when the Blues rolled the Kangaroos in round 18. Hansen, who was well beaten by Waite on that night, said the veteran forward would be a strong addition.

"He's a pretty good player because I played on him a few weeks ago and he kicked a bag on me, so I wouldn't be saying no to that," Hansen said on Friday.

Blues coach Mick Malthouse was not keen on Friday to buy into the debate about Waite.

"He's a free agent, that's the attitude," Malthouse said.

"Most clubs are going to be affected by free agency, one way or the other. 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, he may get painted another picture that this is where the money is and this is where you should finish your career."

The Blues are also trying to retain fellow forward Levi Casboult, with his management indicating several months ago it would play hard ball with the club. Casboult has been one of the success stories in a season which has seen significant change at Visy Park.

While negotiations with the likes of Waite and Casboult will continue next week, Malthouse suggested recalled midfielder Brock McLean, also off contract, would play on next season – provided he felt his body could handle another campaign.

"It's not that Brock is in a position that he's going to be chopped from the list. I want to see where he is," Malthouse said.

"There was a hint during the year to me from him that he said he's finding it pretty tough."

The futures of Mitch Robinson and Jeff Garlett will become clearer next week. Both will be traded if a suitable deal can be found.

Skipper Marc Murphy had a light run with teammates on Friday morning and is expected to line up against the Bombers, having left the field with concussion in a heavy loss to Port Adelaide last weekend.