NewsBite

Gold Coast Suns set to launch audacious bid for Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe

Gold Coast Suns is set to make an audacious play to lure Fremantle Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe to Metricon Stadium this year.

Nat Fyfe in action for Fremantle. Picture: Wayne Ludbey
Nat Fyfe in action for Fremantle. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

GOLD Coast made an audacious play to lure Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe to the Gold Coast.

The draft pick rich Suns have offered two first-round picks and potentially another player to Fremantle to get the deal done either in this year’s trade period or next year when Fyfe becomes a restricted free agent.

Gold Coast currently have two picks in the top 10 in this year’s draft, plus whatever they receive for out-of-contract midfielder Dion Prestia who wants out of the Suns and is believed to have nominated Richmond as his destination of choice.

HORROR YEAR: WILL DOCKER DISASTER PUSH FYFE OUT?

HOMEWARD BOUND: FAMILY TO LURE PRESTIA HOME

2016 DRAFT: YOUR CLUB’S CURRENT DRAFT POSITION

They would be rolling in first round picks if Jaeger O’Meara also departed.

O’Meara has yet to re-commit to the club for next year and coach Rodney Eade has declared the Suns would expect two first-round picks, one this year and one the following, from a club to get a deal done should he decide to leave.

O’Meara has not played at AFL level in two years and is weighing up whether a fresh start could help resurrect his career.

Nat Fyfe and Gary Ablett would form a formidable midfield duo.
Nat Fyfe and Gary Ablett would form a formidable midfield duo.

The Suns heard comments from the Fremantle champion last week where he left the door ajar on a potential move.

“The idea of free agency is that players do have a say in their career and it would be remiss of me not to look at every possible option,” Fyfe said. “But if I see a strong future at Freo, that is where I will be playing my footy.”

List manager Scott Clayton immediately made a call to Fyfe’s manager Jason Dover to sound-out the possibility of luring the contested ball beast who has also won two AFLPA MVP awards, two club champions and has been a two-time All Australian.

It is believed Fyfe has made no decision on his future beyond his current deal which expires at the end of next year but would favour a move to football heartland in Melbourne should he leave the Dockers.

The Suns accept they are long-shots to get the deal done but believed it was worth making a serious approach given the expected loss of Prestia and the fact skipper Gary Ablett is entering the twilight of his career.

Meanwhile, Lions coach Justin Leppitsch has ruled out resigning from his post regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s match with Geelong at the Gabba.

Leppitsch will front the Lions board on Tuesday where he intends to present a case why he should remain in the job next year.

The third year coach would forfeit any pay-out, potentially as much as $450,000, should he walk away from the job.

Originally published as Gold Coast Suns set to launch audacious bid for Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/trade-hq/gold-coast-suns-set-to-launch-audacious-bid-for-fremantle-superstar-nat-fyfe/news-story/7a86f90010ed6303ed3bbcfba814e831