Western Bulldogs eye Fremantle’s Hayden Crozier as Essendon zero in on key trade trio
THE Western Bulldogs have identified Fremantle forward Hayden Crozier as a possible replacement for Jake Stringer as Essendon prepares for bumper trade period.
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WESTERN Bulldogs are closing in on Fremantle high-flyer Hayden Crozier as a likely forward line replacement for Jake Stringer.
All-Australian Stringer, 23, is expected to nominate Essendon as his preferred new home with Geelong lurking in the shadows if a deal falls through.
Respected manager Scott Lucas said Stringer was worth about pick No.15 or 16 as the Dogs and Bombers prepare to start talks on a deal at Etihad Stadium.
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Stringer’s departure would rob the Dogs of their leading goalkicker over the past two seasons, leaving the 2016 premier on the lookout for more scoring power in this year’s trade period.
After Stringer, the Dogs leading goalkickers this year were veteran Liam Picken (24 goals), midfielder Marcus Bontempelli (20) and playmaker Lachie Hunter (18).
Out-of-contract Crozier, 24, would add some athleticism, speed and spark on a forward flank and also has plans to play through the midfield.
The pick No.20 in the 2011 draft is expected to make a decision on his future on Monday.
List chief Jason McCartney confirmed Crozier was on the Dogs’ radar.
“He (Crozier) is a player that was rated highly by our recruiting team in the 2011 draft,” McCartney said.
“He’s got some attributes athletically that would really complement our group and once again he’s a player that we’ve seen play some different roles.”
The Dogs want to protect their strong position in the national draft and could hand over their third-round selection (currently No.39) to Fremantle for Crozier.
St Kilda is targeting GWS Giants hard-running big man Adam Tomlinson with one of its two first-round picks. Delisted Swan Michael Talia has also met the Saints.
Fremantle is keen on Gold Coast livewire Brandon Matera, Greater Western Sydney defender Nathan Wilson and have been linked to Geelong free agent Daniel Menzel.
Lucas said Menzel would be weighing up a move.
“If he could find a longer-term contract somewhere else with some security I think there is a real chance he would go,” Lucas said on SEN.
“I think the coach (Chris Scott) at times is frustrated by that lack of forward pressure.”
Essendon looms as the big player in the trade period over the next fortnight as the Bombers eye a trio of trade targets to help jump up into the top-four next year.
But Essendon recruiting guru Adrian Dodoro faces a huge task to pull off the deals for Stringer, Greater Western Sydney jet Devon Smith and Gold Coast’s Adam Saad.
The Giants and Suns want top-25 choices for Smith and Saad, or in the Suns’ case, an equivalent ready-made senior player.
The Bombers could be forced to part with No.6 draft pick Aaron Francis to facilitate all three moves. The homesick defender wants to go back to South Australia.
Carlton has missed out on targets Tom Rockliff, Smith and Saad and will attempt to hold on to star midfielder Bryce Gibbs.
The Blues will nab Giants’ midfielder-defender Matthew Kennedy and are expected to renew their interest in out-of-contract Cat Darcy Lang.
Lang is reluctant to go to Gold Coast as part of the Gary Ablett trade to Geelong and has options to remain in Victoria.
The Dogs have secured versatile Port Adelaide free agent Jackson Trengove and are also keen on teammate Jarman Impey, but a deal will be more difficult.
The Power speedster has another year to run on his contract and is keen on moving to Hawthorn rather than Whitten Oval.
Originally published as Western Bulldogs eye Fremantle’s Hayden Crozier as Essendon zero in on key trade trio
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