Exciting Bombers forward has requested a move to his home state of South Australia at the end of this season, according to AFL.com.au’s Mark McGowan.
The 23-year-old signed a three-year contract extension last August, however, making a potential move to the Crows or Power difficult – especially given Essendon’s reputation as hard negotiators at the trade table.
Port Adelaide are understood to be his club of choice given his previous relationship with forwards coach Nathan Bassett. Bassett coached Fantasia at Norwood, where he played before being drafted by Essendon in 2013. Bassett was also the forwards coach at Windy Hill for two years before crossing over to Alberton.
While the Bombers typically demand high compensation during trades, the fact Fantasia will qualify as a free agent at the end of his contract could see them move the wantaway forward on to avoid losing him for nothing later.
The South Australian native is enjoying a reasonable season following his career-best years (so far) in 2018 and 2017, averaging 13 disposals, three marks, two tackles and 1.7 goals per game.
Neither Fantasia nor any club involved in the matter have commented as of yet.
MORE TO COME
Aransan
Roar Rookie
Essendon wouldn't have got Shiel for anything less than they paid.
Realist
Guest
"especially given Essendon’s reputation as hard negotiators at the trade table" You're kidding aren't you? The Bombers rolled over and and had their tummys tickled with the Shiel deal!
Aransan
Roar Rookie
I can’t see Draper going to the Saints — can’t they develop their own key players, Carlisle being the last one? Just go out and poach another club’s player after they have had years of development. Essendon will not only keep Draper they will be on the lookout for additions to their ruck stocks — and I would be happy to see Ryder back at Essendon.
JamesH
Roar Guru
He says he's staying: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/fantasia-unmoved-by-report-of-trade-request-20190703-p523vr.html Obviously that's not an iron-clad guarantee but the way he quashed it was pretty unequivocal.
Sachit Dassanayake
Roar Rookie
Well, he has just talked to the media and denied these reports. https://www.essendonfc.com.au/video/2019-07-03/btv-fantasia-speaks I'm not completely sold on his comments, but I don't see him as the "Dayne Beams" type of guy, no offence intended. However, I am reserving full trust until the end of the Trade Period lol
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Yes please! Gladly give up our first rounder for him.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Why do ya think that, BM?
Birdman
Roar Rookie
Sounds like the story is a bit of red herring
Cat
Roar Guru
Story is he is leaving as a free agent in 2 years either way. Bombers have known he was going to go back for years now. EFC may as well get what they can now, its better than watching him walk for whatever the AFL compo gives them (if it isn't rightfully scrapped by then).
Gone for 4
Guest
Mate i'd love to see Paddy Ryder come back to the bombers. Him and Bellchambers would be a perfect combination as both can play as a Forward and alternate in the ruck.
DJCJ
Guest
Love him as a player, and he is such a barometer for my team, BUT a first round pick would do it for me. I would take that - gotta take the good with the bad. Dons have drafted well the past two years - maybe they can do something good with a first pick in return. His body is what concerns me, so I would take a pick of #8-13 or thereabouts from Port. Add to that Draper's likely departure to the Saints and the Bombers might again be a 'player' at the draft table this year with potentially a first rounder and two 2nd round picks (got one back from the Shiel deal). Could Pat Ryder be thrown into the equation? He didn't leave the EFC due to the supps saga (that was the public line) - it was due to personality clashes between Ryder, his partner and several players and their partners off the field - they have since left.
James
Guest
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Aransan
Roar Rookie
Should be worth a first round draft pick.
E-Meter
Roar Rookie
He's sick of Brian 'Wowee" Taylor.
Gone for 4
Guest
NOOOOOOOO!!! We can't afford to lose him, Please stay Orazio. You are a much loved player at our club and a very much required player at our club.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
I reckon Coober Pedy would suit him.
Raimond
Roar Guru
Fanta-see-ya-later!