Trade HQ: Check out all the big list calls facing Fremantle this off-season
While the Dockers are in the mix for Tim Kelly, there could also be some big names potentially on the way out. From the Hill brothers to some young guns, take a look at where the club’s list sits.
Fremantle needs to put almost all its eggs in the midfield basket this off-season.
The club did a brilliant job to secure Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb last year but by recruiting key position stars, they never actually replaced Lachie Neale’s enormous output.
Ross Lyon has got this group on the right path but if they want to get back to winning finals, they must address their midfield issues.
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And it isn’t just Neale who needs to be replaced. Veteran David Mundy’s minutes in the centre continue to fall and at 33, he would ideally only be used in short bursts.
Tim Kelly is the man they need and they should be doing absolutely everything in their power to pair him with superstar skipper Nat Fyfe.
The Dockers then face a big call when it comes to their next move.
Should they look elsewhere for more midfield talent or back high draft picks Adam Cerra and Andrew Brayshaw to take a giant leap?
One area the Dockers can rest easy is knowing they might have their ruck division sorted for the next decade.
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Sean Darcy has been brilliant in Aaron Sandilands’ absence and is ready to carry the No. 1 role permanently.
The area I still have a lot of questions over is the forward line, mainly who plays that third tall role?
Matt Taberner looked like he had turned the corner at the start of the year but will now miss the rest of the season.
After 74 games in seven years, do they have the patience to back him in again?
Cam McCarthy and Shane Kersten have had plenty of chances but haven’t made that role their own.
I’ll be keeping an eye on the Hill brothers when the season comes to an end.
If I was an opposition side in the premiership mix, they are exactly the type of players I would look at.
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Ed Langdon
Arguably one of the most improved players in the competition, Ed Langdon is a man in demand among Victorian clubs. He is out of contract at the end of the season and could be enticed by a move home. Expect Melbourne, North Melbourne, Collingwood and St Kilda to be among the teams sniffing around.
Brad/Stephen Hill
There is plenty of talk when it comes to the Hill brothers. It’s already emerged that Brad asked for a trade back to Hawthorn last year, but the request was denied. He could make the same request again although he is contracted until 2021. Meanwhile, restricted free agent Stephen is set to have plenty of offers, with interested clubs asking if he would consider a move away from WA.
Griffin Logue
Injuries to the likes of Alex Pearce mean Griffin Logue is finally getting a game but will it be enough for the Dockers to keep him? The Saints are circling the former No. 8 draft pick who is out of contract at the end of the season. However, Fremantle are desperate to keep him and will attempt to ramp up negotiations in the coming weeks.
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Tim Kelly
While he didn’t want a bar of the Dockers during last year’s trade period, Tim Kelly is now open to making a move to the club. Pairing Kelly with Nat Fyfe would be a stunning midfield one-two punch, and if the Dockers lose either of the Hill brothers, they will have plenty of cash to make an enticing offer.
Stephen Coniglio
In an ideal world the Dockers would love to snag West Australian Stephen Coniglio as a free agent, costing the club nothing at the trade table. However, they appear to be a long way back in the pecking order, with GWS and a host of Melbourne based clubs leading the race.
Bryce Gibbs
It is a little left field but the Dockers are desperate for some midfield talent. Bryce Gibbs is out of favour at the Crows and wouldn’t be keen on spending any more time in the SANFL. Could the opportunity to play a key role for Fremantle alongside one of the game’s best midfielders in Fyfe be enough of a carrot for him to move west?
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The Dockers were front and centre for trade week’s hottest wheeling and dealing, with superstars coming in and going out. There is no way to sugar-coat the loss of Lachie Neale, who despite netting the club two top draft picks, is playing better football with the Lions than he ever did with Fremantle. After years of speculation, the trade request finally came from Jesse Hogan to return home and he was joined by Rory Lobb.
However, both signings have had to deal with some serious challenges. After some well publicised off-field issues during the pre-season, Hogan’s numbers are down in almost every major statistical category, with his goal average halved. Now he is stuck on the sidelines with a foot injury. Meanwhile, Lobb encountered a rough start to his time at the club, with the big man sidelined with a stress fracture in his foot.
The Dockers are hopeful he can return later in July. Former Bomber Travis Colyer made a positive start out West after costing a fifth-round draft pick but he hasn’t been sighted in the seniors since Round 8. Ex-Tiger Reece Conca has played every game this year and is averaging career high numbers in disposals and clearances.
Originally published as Trade HQ: Check out all the big list calls facing Fremantle this off-season