AFL club ‘going backwards’ as Magpie emerges as big loser of trade request

A bombshell trade request has taken the footy world by surprise, as a Collingwood star looms as a big loser of the AFL Trade Period.

Jack Ginnivan could be the big loser from a Lachie Schultz trade.

Fremantle’s Lachie Schultz has requested a trade away from the Dockers in a surprise move on the opening day of the AFL Trade Period.

The 25-year-old small forward is under contract for next season but has reportedly request a trade to Collingwood, in what would be a boost to the Magpies’ depth after their premiership triumph.

Watch every match of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season LIVE & ad-break free during play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >

The Dockers said in a brief statement: “Fremantle can confirm Lachie Schultz has today enquired about the possibility of returning to Victoria for family reasons.

“Schultz is a required player who still has a year to run on his contract.”

Perth’s Channel 7 footy reporter Ryan Daniels said: “Fair to say the news has blindsided @freodockers. “Would need to be a trade - Schultz is under contract for next year, and parties had been working on a 2-yr extension.

“Personal reasons behind interest in return to Victoria.”

Schultz kicked a career high 33 goals this season and is highly rated for his pressure inside forward 50 and ability to hit the scoreboard.

Lachie Schultz has requested a trade from Freo to Collingwood. (Photo by Martin Keep/Getty Images)

Port Adelaide 300-gamer Kane Cornes wrote: “He’s such a good player - a huge get. Freo sure know how to lose them.

“Schultz ranked 1 at Fremantle for scoreboard impact. It’s a giant loss for a team not bless with scoring options.”

Would be a great get for Pies if they could get Lachie Schulz.

Two players they’re looking to cover beyond 2024 - Jeremy Howe and Jamie Elliott.

Schulz for Elliott like for like.

Missed on Doedee but right idea.

— Damien Ractliffe (@DamienRactliffe) October 9, 2023

Well… that’s come out of nowhere. https://t.co/en2C9JjRhZ

— Nic Negrepontis (@NicNegrepontis) October 9, 2023

What do Adam Cerra, Blake Acres, Rory Lobb, Griffin Logue, Darcy Tucker, Liam Henry, Joel Hamling, and now Lachie Schultz, all have in common? 🤔 They've ALL bolted from @freodockers. It's long past time for the club to soul-search and learn why. As a 12-yr. member, I'm pissed.🤬

— Gil Griffin (@GilWritesHere) October 9, 2023

Small forward Jack Ginnivan, who was part of Collingwood’s premiership winning team, looms as the big loser if Schultz moves to the Magpies and he could find even himself on the trade table.

“I think the fallout will reflect upon Jack Ginnivan,” journalist AFL Ralph said on Fox Footy’s Trading Day.

“He’s a contracted player but with a list that has Bobby Hill, Beau McCreery, Jamie Elliott and then Schultz in front of him … A big decision ahead.

“A big name there (Schultz) that I think would fit perfectly.”

If Lachie Schulz comes in, where does Jack Ginnivan fit?

— Julian de Stoop (@jdestoop80) October 9, 2023

Former Hawthorn sharpshooter Ben Dixon said Schultz would slot in ahead of Ginnivan in the pecking order at Collingwood.

“The good teams just need to top up that little bit more to get the edge on the competition,” he said.

“Put a Schultz in that forward line, it’s pretty damaging.”

North Melbourne great David King described Schultz as a “poor man’s (Tom) Papley” but said the Dockers would miss him.

“He’s got the energy, he’s a forward 50 harassment player that every club is looking for,” he said.

“He’s an experienced campaigner, he hits the scoreboard and when he does, he becomes a multiple goal scorer more often that not.

“They are hard to find.”

Jack Ginnivan could be the big loser from Lachie Schultz moving to Collingwood. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The surprise trade request comes on the back of the news Fremantle’s Liam Henry is set to be traded to St Kilda.

Henry enjoyed a breakout season but is expected to join a long list of players to have departed the Dockers in recent seasons.

Players who have left Fremantle to join rival clubs include Blake Acres, Griffin Logue, Darcy Tucker, Rory Lobb, Lloyd Meek, Adam Cerra, Jesse Hogan, Brad Hill, Ed Langdon, Lachie Neale, Lachie Weller, Hayden Crozier and Joel Hamling.

“It’s a worry for Fremantle – they’ve lost a few now over the last couple of seasons that are seriously important,” King said of Fremantle’s inability to retain players.

“I don’t think thy realised how good Blake Acres was for them and then you see what he’s been able to do this year at Carlton.

“This guy (Schultz) is the same – provides a lot of spark.”

Ralph added: “(Schultz) is a really popular member of that team. Fremantle right now seem to be going backwards.

“That’s a massive concern for (coach) Justin Longmuir.”

Elsewhere on the first day of the AFL Trade Period, veteran North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein has joined Essendon and Adelaide defender Tom Doedee has joined the Brisbane Lions on a long-term deal — with the Crows to receive draft compensation.

Port Adelaide’s Xavier Duursma has also requested a trade to Essendon, as the Bombers look to recruit Goldstein, McKay and St Kilda’s Jade Gresham.

Originally published as AFL club ‘going backwards’ as Magpie emerges as big loser of trade request