Essendon enter the race to sign Port Adelaide game breaker Hamish Hartlett
ESSENDON has entered the market for Port Adelaide game-breaker Hamish Hartlett in a bid to secure another marquee midfielder.
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ESSENDON has entered the market for Port Adelaide game breaker Hamish Hartlett in a bid to secure another marquee midfielder.
Hartlett, 26, is open to a trade and is believed to favour a move to Melbourne over the Gold Coast as he weighs up his future.
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The Bombers are also hot on the chase for Gold Coast star Jaeger O’Meara as John Worsfold’s men attempt to break back into the finals mix next season.
If the Bombers miss out on O’Meara, possibly to triple-premier Hawthorn, it could clear the way for the resurgent club to clinch a long-term deal with the damaging Hartlett.
The long-kicking utility is considered one of the most devastating ball users in the competition but is open to a fresh start after an indifferent season.
He finished 17th in the club’s best and fairest — well below expectations — despite playing 15 games this season.
The No. 4 pick in the 2008 national draft could also help replace Bombers’ rebounding defender Michael Hibberd, who has requested a trade, most likely to Melbourne.
Hartlett last year signed a five-year deal to stay at Port but the club is open to all options, including moving on its vice-captain, after two seasons outside the eight.
Power would almost certainly demand a prized early choice for Hartlett after knocking back two first-round selections for the brilliant South Australian last year.
The Bombers hold pick No. 1 in this year’s draft and are in a strong position to broker a deal with either Port or the Suns for either of the two star ball-winners.
The Bombers have already said they are open to trading the first pick and could use it to gain two lesser picks inside the first round from another club such as Greater Western Sydney.
Essendon already has a strong spine but the club wants to add to its midfield stocks through next month’s bumper trade period.
The Bombers are confident the return of suspended stars including Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker and Michael Hurley will significantly add to the nucleus of young talent and help it surge quickly back up the ladder.
The club is hopeful Jobe Watson will also recommit.
Port Adelaide may also off-load ruckman Matthew Lobbe as it needs to ease pressure on its salary cap squeeze.
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Essendon is also asking for an early second-round draft pick from Melbourne in exchange for Hibberd.
Jayden Laverde is unsigned beyond this season after knocking back the Bombers’ latest offer. The Saints are believed to be interested in Laverde.
The Bombers remain confident he will stay.
Originally published as Essendon enter the race to sign Port Adelaide game breaker Hamish Hartlett
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