Jake Spencer set to test free agency as he chases more opportunities outside Melbourne
MELBOURNE ruckman Jake Spencer is likely to join the off-season merry-go-round of backup big men looking for new homes as he chases regular game time.
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MELBOURNE ruckman Jake Spencer is likely to join the off-season merry-go-round of backup big men looking for new homes.
Spencer has been sounded out by half a dozen clubs who are assessing their key position needs for next season.
The 27-year-old unrestricted free agent is keen to play regular football but was injured just two games into a stint replacing injured star Max Gawn.
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He has been told by the club they will offer him a new contract next season but is one of a list of second-tier ruckman looking for more opportunity.
A two-year deal at a rival club might be enough to lure him away from the Demons given Gawn is going nowhere and about to sign a long-term contract extension.
Collingwood’s Mason Cox, Gold Coast’s Tom Nicholls, St Kilda’s Tom Hickey, Spencer have all been starved of opportunity.
The conundrum for all of them is finding a home where they can be the first ruckmen rather than just remaining a back-up at a different club.
North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein, with one more year on a contract in excess of $800,000, holds more cards than the list of back-ups.
They will likely have to wait until he stays at the Roos or moves on next year before their futures are decided.
Spencer was labelled one of the in-demand free agents by premiership player David King recently because of his upside and aggressive style of play.
He is an ruckman prepared to throw his weight around and also follow up well at ground level, which is seen as crucial in the modern game.
The Demons are aware of Spencer’s determination for opportunities, with his luck horrible in the wake of Gawn’s hamstring injury.
He kicked two goals and had 13 possessions against Fremantle then suffered a shoulder injury against Richmond that sidelined him for six weeks.
In his absence Cam Pedersen played a brilliant pinch-hitting role and last week signed a one-year contract extension.
Gold Coast’s Nicholls, 25, was seen as one of the AFL’s most exciting prospects but the emergence of Jarrod Witts has seen him play NEAFL all year.
The Herald Sun reported this week Mason Cox had inquiries from Hawthorn and Richmond as he assesses his situation.
With Witts playing great football and Sean Darcy ready to one day replace Aaron Sandilands, few clubs need a first ruckman.
Former Western Bulldogs coach Terry Wallace said this week the Dogs should return ruckman Jordan Roughead to the backline and search for another ruck.
The Dogs have ruckman Tom Campbell returning from an abdominal strain and Tom Boyd back after mental health issues.
But they could decide to bolster their ruck department as they wait for first-round pick Tim English to mature into his body after two games this year.
Originally published as Jake Spencer set to test free agency as he chases more opportunities outside Melbourne
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