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.
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.
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.
Macca
Guest
Yep - which we can use on a player who may or may not ever become as good as Gibbs. I don't see the point in shipping one of our best players out for just 1 high draft pick.
Jack
Guest
Wonder why blues have not resigned young Dylan bucket bow his a gun!
Jack
Guest
Gibbs would get us a very high draft pick
Scott
Guest
******edit - this was supposed to be a reply to the Harvey comments***** I want him at West Coast badly. Fits in perfectly. Any team still aiming for a premiership should definately draft Harvey. One of the most valuable players in the comp, awesome kick into the forward line and proven he doesn't get injured. He would be a perfect fit for Adelaide or west coast as a midfielder forward who sets up their powerful forward lines. With the Eglaes we don't have any obvious retirements at the end of next year. Priddis and Lecras will prob still be playing good enough to go on. Why wouldn't the Eagles take him as it would just give them space for a slightly better draft pick next year than this year.
Pete
Guest
I'd say that's a fair call Dougie but it appears that the Bulldogs coach and list manager agree with me rather than you. I'd never base a list management decision on one game or two most recent games but on a season. Dogs will get injuries again next year and a number of your key forwards are inconsistent and still developing. I'd be taking the extra option that Cloke provides if it comes at little cost. You can never be sure how long that window will be open.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
For the Scrays it is a no brainer. Going anywhere near Cloke makes no sense but Riedwoldt would complete the forward line and be the continuation of the recruiting that started with them getting Boyd. It told all that you guys mean business and are setting up to join the top 6 Melbourne clubs. I would try to keep Stringer, for he would become lethal working off Boyd/Riedwoldt and with the spotlight off him if you could pull it of using McCrae/Dickson and say pick 16....
mattyb
Guest
I can't see Richmond being that interested in our first pick in the teens although Dkson would be a fairer trade if we could bundle it with something much higher but we'd have to do a decent trade to get that pick anyway. I agree with you that Riewoldt would be perfect for the dogs. I'd look long and hard at that deal. Riewoldt would counter the loss of Stringer and their first would offset the age difference and the fact Stringer could be anything. Another option would be Macrae for Reiwoldt and maybe we could swap firsts around to again offset the age,that deal would probably be fairer to us and the first better for Richmond but I'd consider them both fair trades. Some would do it,some wouldn't but it would be fair and both clubs I think would at least hold some kind of discussion. I rate Riewoldt very highly indeed. He would make us very potent but he wouldn't come cheap as hopefully I've illustrated. Personally I'd probably do either trade to get Riewoldt if I had to.
Cat
Roar Guru
No guarantee you will suddenly have every single person fit and available next year either. While I doubt it will be as bad as this year (though if you look at the Suns, one bad year doesn't mean a good year the next), you will have injuries, every side does. If you need every single one of your best 22 on the park just to catch up with the rest (who have also has injuries, again to a lesser degree) you have some obvious holes in your
forcelist.Cat
Roar Guru
They are called rumours ... not trade facts.
me too
Guest
not a chance at the saints - we have a bevy of experienced players already.
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
very fair deal, as a Scrays fan if that was offered what would you say?
Macca
Guest
not only a draft pick Col -their own draft pick.
Macca
Guest
David C - The reports I saw had North offering Tuohy in excess of $600k a year for 5 years - if they value him that highly they need to offer a trade commensurate - that is more than a second round pick to me.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
I like it macca. After all we are a history making club so why not be the first club to offer another club a draft pick to take a couple of our players.
David C
Guest
Can't see them giving up pick 11, they'd get a better player in the draft for that pick. More likely a 2nd rounder.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Macca, my understanding is they have to go in with what they have been allocated or have received from trades but cannot swap picks for points. They currently have 8 picks but I would think they don't have much use for their 4th and 6th round picks as they don't have any point value so they would most likely pass on those picks.
Macca
Guest
Col - don't we have their 3rd round pick? We could give it back to them with Tutty and Liam if it gets the deal done.
Macca
Guest
The blues are only interested in bringing in players under 25.
David C
Guest
I was thinking Carlton.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Dougie, perhaps the Doggies might get something out of Cloke but I just don't see the point in signing him for the reported 2 years especially after Campbell has re-signed. A forward line of Boyd, Cloke Crameri and Stringer doesn't appeal to me so he is definitely not in your best 22 and especially when Redpath returns. Are there no young tall forwards coming through your twos that could be that back-up player in case of injury? You don't have a third round pick to offer Collingwood which is what I would think is the least they will accept. I wouldn't be offering up your second round pick for him so it looks like you are going to have to trade someone to get Cloke. I wouldn't be surprised if Cloke retired after next season because I can see him spending a lot of time in the VFL which he has stated he doesn't want to do. The Doggies are on the threshold and I just don't see the point in recruiting Cloke. Honestly, I reckon Boomer Harvey would be a better get for you. You will regret not taking Liam back when he kicks 50 for us next season. After all it is the last season of his contract and he will want to get an extension!!!