CARLTON is "open-minded" to trading for an experienced body at season's end, but insists it will not take a scattergun approach to its recruiting strategy, coach Brendon Bolton says.

The Blues have been steadfast in their plan of going to the draft over the last three years, building the foundation for the Club's long-term future with seven first-round picks.

However, the Blues are now making no secret of their desire to top up their list with an experienced body in an effort to provide their midfielders with more support.

"We were in a position as a club a few years back where we needed to go to the draft," Bolton told reporters on Friday.

"The plan, which we haven't deviated from, was going to the draft. We've now had three solid drafts, in our opinion. That's building the underbelly of youth and talent.

"At the right time and with the right deal, we're open-minded to trading now. That was always the plan. But it's got to fit your salary cap, it's got to fit your plan, the type of player, it's not a scattergun approach.

"We need to make decisions for this football club that are in our long-term interests, not just the short-term."

Carlton's focus at the draft has turned to midfield depth recently, with the club recruiting Sam Petrevski-Seton with pick five in 2016 and securing Paddy Dow and Lochie O'Brien with top-10 selections last year.

However, having lost senior players such as Bryce Gibbs over recent years, the Blues have lowered their age profile in the midfield.

"There's no secret in that age bracket of our list build – that 22 to 26-year-old – we haven't got a lot in that space," Bolton said.

"We've got a lot from 18 to 21 that is really young and talented and we've got some older heads who have been around and who you've seen over a number of years.

"Over time, we've got to build that. That's a given."