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AFL trade rumours: Lock it in, Eddie - Cloke will be a Bulldog

Expert
15th September, 2016
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Travis Cloke has announced his retirement from AFL (AAP Image/Joe Castro)
Expert
15th September, 2016
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Travis Cloke appears a virtual certainty to ‘Be More Bulldog’ in 2017 after news surfaced on Thursday that he has agreed to terms with the Western Bulldogs on a two-year contract.

Because Cloke is contracted for 2017 with the Magpies, the two clubs will need to work out a trade of some sort in order for him to make the mooted move.

However, that shouldn’t be too hard – the Pies will likely do what they can to smooth his passage and probably won’t ask for much in return.

They’ve had some interest in Lin Jong during the year and it could be as simple as a straight swap if Jong agrees to move to the Pies.

Alternatively, it’s been reported that the Bulldogs’ third-round pick will probably get it done, as Collingwood will probably be happy just to have one less headache on their list – and a bit more salary cap room.

It’s a bold move for the Bulldogs but one that could pay big dividends – they’re in need of a player who can replace Jack Redpath, who will miss most or all of the 2017 season due to an ACL injury.

They’ll be looking at Cloke to partner with Tom Boyd up forward and if the two can get into good form that’ll be a big boost for the Bulldogs’ premiership hopes – and take some pressure off of Jake Stringer.

Travis Cloke of the Magpies kicks a goal

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One piece of news that’s been flying under the radar a bit is that Jayden Laverde is looking likely to request a trade to St Kilda after just two years at Essendon.

The versatile tall midfielder was drafted by the Bombers at pick 20 in 2014 draft, and has played 18 AFL games to date, but has had to endure a longterm shoulder injury this year which has slowed his progress.

Having given up their 2016 second round pick for Nathan Freeman last year, the Saints might have a tricky time striking up the right deal with the Bombers, as they’re also reportedly likely to trade in GWS’ Jack Steele.

It seems probably now that Daniel Wells will move to a new club via free agency this off-season. Collingwood were being reported as his likely destination, but Geelong have now entered the race as well.

Brent Harvey is yet to confirm whether or not he’ll look to play on at a different club after being denied a new contract, but said on Thursday that he’s sure there’ll be offers if he does go looking, suggesting it’s a serious possibility.

Brett Deledio has rubbished the rumours that he will look at a trade to Geelong in the off-season. The fact that they’re now being named as interested in Daniel Wells may not be a coincidence, given the timing.

Jarryd Lyons is still yet to make a call on whether or not he will be staying with the Adelaide Crows in 2017, but Richmond and North Melbourne have surfaced as two of the clubs interested in recruiting him should he decide to leave.

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Lastly, James Sicily has been the name thrown up most often as discussions begin over how Hawthorn will strike a deal to recruit Jaeger O’Meara.

While the Hawks do have the option of trading draft picks to secure the wantaway Sun, they’re also looking to strike a deal for Sydney’s Tom Mitchell this off-season, and the Suns have stated a preference for players over picks.

With a number of similar players already in the side, Sicily could be a logical choice for the Hawks to move on to get a deal done, though they’d no doubt be hesitant to give up one of their most promising youngsters.

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