Josh Schache has attracted limited interest from Victorian clubs after Brisbane agreed to explore trade
JOSH Schache and Brisbane have agreed to explore a trade back to Victoria but there has been limited interest in the former No.2 pick with clubs already ruling out pursuing a deal.
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JOSH Schache generated minimal interest from Victorian clubs on Monday after requesting a trade home only months after re-signing at the Brisbane Lions.
The Herald Sun revealed last month that Schache, 20, remained a trade target and the Lions would be open to dealing him despite both camps signing off on two-year contract in June.
But a host of clubs quickly declared they would not pursue the 2015 No.2 draft pick from Seymour.
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St Kilda, Essendon, Richmond and Hawthorn have all ruled themselves out of the race, while Carlton showed mild interest.
“It’s new to us,” Blues football boss Andrew McKay said on Monday.
“We haven’t really entertained it at this stage, but it’s given us something to think about.”
North Melbourne is also set to pass on Schache with list chief Cameron Joyce on Monday saying his focus was to add midfield talent.
The Western Bulldogs appear unlikely to target the 20-year-old, while Melbourne is set to retain full-forward Jesse Hogan and also has Sam Weideman developing beneath him.
The Blues and Tigers were regarded as Schache’s most likely suitors throughout the season as speculation on his future mounted.
Collingwood has also tracked Schache since he was drafted, but have a tight salary cap and is unlikely to offer a new home.
But champion full-forward Matthew Lloyd last night urged the Pies to take Schache.
“They’ve got nobody to help Darcy Moore,” Lloyd said on Monday night.
“I would give up pick six and get a pick back in the late first round — I would do it.
“From what I’ve seen in junior football I still think he’s a brilliant footballer.”
The Lions hold pick 18.
Hawks list boss Graham Wright on Monday said paying Schache’s salary was a key factor in his club deciding against recruiting the spearhead.
The Saints are flush for goalkickers and will instead give Paddy McCartin priority next season following the retirement of champion Nick Riewoldt.
They have opened talks to extend the No.1 pick’s contract beyond 2018.
The Tigers met with Schache last month and then abandoned their chase.
The fallout means Schache could still return to the Gabba next season.
Lions football boss David Noble sat down with Schache last week after he returned from holidays in Hong Kong.
“I guess we’ve had a mature conversation about Josh’s desire to go home,” Noble said on Monday.
“We probably had that conversation openly and honestly when he re-signed.
“We probably thought there was a point in time where he would consider going home, and so we’ve got on the front foot and had a conversation with Josh and his manager.
“If things work out with both parties then we’d be interested (in striking a trade).
“We’ve looked at it and said if it fits for both that’s fine, (and) if it doesn’t then Josh will still be a required player for the next two years.”
Schache was rated a brilliant junior based on his fluent set-shot routine, clean marking and endurance.
But clubs are now unsure whether he has the competitiveness to thrive at AFL level.
The youngster has kicked 25.24 from 27 games in two seasons and then packed up his car and drove home to Seymour last month, skipping the Lions’ NEAFL premiership.
He also took a break mid-season to refresh mentally after a challenging few months on and off the field.
Schache’s late father Laurence played 29 games for Brisbane in 1991-92.
Originally published as Josh Schache has attracted limited interest from Victorian clubs after Brisbane agreed to explore trade
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