Nathan Wilson, Devon Smith and Matthew Kennedy formally requests trade from GWS Giants

GWS defender Nathan Wilson will join Devon Smith and Matthew Kennedy in leaving the Giants in the off-season trade period, the club’s trade boss has confirmed.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — SEPTEMBER 22: Devon Smith of the Giants marks the ball during the Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL training session at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 22, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

FREMANTLE is set to secure linebreaking GWS defender Nathan Wilson with the Giants prepared to let him go despite another season on his contract.

Wilson’s certain recruitment will add another level of speed to the Dockers, who boast both Hill brothers and silky half forward Harley Bennell.

The dashing defender has long been linked to the Dockers, but GWS still has salary cap pressures and Wilson has a pregnant partner in West Australia.

He will join Devon Smith and Matthew Kennedy in leaving the Giants in the off-season trade period with the trio all officially asking for trades today.

Footy boss Wayne Campbell confirmed that the club would work towards completing their requests.

“We are sympathetic to Nathan’s situation and we understand Devon and Matt’s wish to explore opportunities during the trade period,” Giants football boss Campbell said.

“We’ll now work with the respective players and their managers to arrive at the most appropriate outcome.”

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Nathan Wilson is on his way out of Giants

But Ryan Griffen is a required player, with his management adamant today he will fulfil his contract despite being linked to Carlton.

The Dockers are confident they will also add Gold Coast half forward Brandon Matera, with West Coast still chasing Collingwood’s Alex Fasolo.

GWS has paid Josh Kelly $850,000 a season for the next two years, and is seen to be accepting that Wilson is heading home.

The Dockers are waiting on a definitive call from Melbourne’s Jesse Hogan, given industry speculation he still might at some stage ask for a trade home in coming weeks.

The Herald Sun reported this week he had met his management last Friday and at this stage seems happy to honour his contract for next season.

GWS Giants Matthew Kennedy and Devon Smith will also be leaving the club

Melbourne is adamant he will stay at the club next year and Fremantle will only chase Hogan if he declares he wants to return to West Australia.

The Demons have all but conceded that Jack Watts will move on next season, with Port Adelaide his likely home.

He met with Power club powerbrokers on Wednesday and Melbourne does not seem to be trying to convince him to stay.

He started the season in the VFL and then was again dropped late in the year, with club leaders adamant he needed to lift his game.

With tall forward Sam Weideman coming through the ranks and the club also able to push Tom McDonald forward he might struggle for game time if he remains.

The Demons will secure Jake Lever, who will announce after the Grand Final his intention to move to Melbourne.

His girlfriend is keen to return to Melbourne and start a family, which means Adelaide can hardly deny his trade request.

Originally published as Nathan Wilson, Devon Smith and Matthew Kennedy formally requests trade from GWS Giants