In his weekly BackPageLead podcast, Carey refused to confirm or deny the speculation, first published in the Sunday Herald Sun, but did say his induction - whenever that may be - would be a tremendous honour.

"I can't say too much but if I was to be inducted it would be a humbling experience and a huge honour. But I'll have to wait and see," he said on the podcast.

Listen to Wayne Carey talk about the Hall of Fame

Like Gary Ablett senior a few years before him, Carey's induction has been delayed because of various off-field issues. The merits, or otherwise, of his inclusion in the Hall of Fame has been an annual talking point since he became eligible in 2008, with broadcaster and former Melbourne director Bev O'Connor saying on Monday that Carey should have been made to wait a bit longer.

"I would have liked to see a bit more water under the bridge first," she told the Herald Sun.

"I'm bemused by the interest," Carey said. "I suppose the Hall of Fame is a big deal and people are going to have their opinions. I don't begrudge her an opinion and one of the great things about this game is that there are many opinions."

But Carey did admit his induction would bring to a close a chapter of his life he is attempting to leave behind.

"I suppose does bring an end to another chapter, if you like it. There's been talk about this every year since I've been eligible but if it was to happen I'd be rapt, humbled and over the moon."

"And if it does happen, then we wouldn't be talking about it next year and that's a positive," he said.

Also in the podcast, Carey discusses Hawthorn, the Bulldogs-St Kilda clash, comparisons between Chris Judd and Gary Ablett junior and the long road ahead for Richmond.