Rival clubs are circling versatile midfielder Lukas Webb ahead of the AFL off-season
COMPETITION for spots in the Western Bulldogs midfield means versatile youngster Lukas Webb could be on his way out of the club at the end of the season.
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WESTERN Bulldogs could lose one of its talented young midfielders as rivals circle versatile ball winner Lukas Webb.
The 21-year-old has struggled to lock down a senior berth in his third AFL season and is weighing up his future.
The Dogs are keen to keep Webb and have offered him a deal to stay for at least the next two years.
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But the No.27 draft pick is eyeing more senior AFL opportunities and looks set to wait until after the season to make a decision.
The depth and strength of the Dogs’ young gun midfield means Webb’s best chance to cement a permanent onball position could be interstate.
Midfield teammate Lin Jong will return from a knee reconstruction next season, adding further competition for spots in the middle in 2018.
Gold Coast could make a play for Webb to help bolster its thin midfield following a string of player departures including Jaeger O’Meara, Dion Prestia and potentially Gary Ablett.
Webb, from Gippsland, lost his senior place on the eve of the Dogs’ stunning finals campaign last year and was again omitted from the team for Friday night’s loss to Greater Western Sydney.
The goalkicking midfielder has averaged 11 possessions across nine senior games over the past two seasons, including only four senior matches this year.
The Dogs have smartly retained their priority young premiership stars from poaching raids but midfield pair Webb and Clay Smith appear the most vulnerable to other offers after stints in the VFL.
Webb’s form in the VFL has been strong, kicking four goals in a best on ground performance against Coburg three weeks ago.
Originally published as Rival clubs are circling versatile midfielder Lukas Webb ahead of the AFL off-season
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