Hawks rule out play for Mitch Clark; no takers for Mitch Robinson and more in the Sunday Session
CATCH up on all the latest footy news — including trade whispers — with our award-winning trio in the Sunday Session.
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HAWTHORN has put a line through Demons big man Mitch Clark.
Former Essendon champion Tim Watson said on SEN that Hawthorn was in talks with Clark about resurrecting his career at Waverley next year.
But the Hawks have said they have no intentions of landing Clark, leaving Collingwood in the box seat.
Carlton coach Michael Malthouse this week was scathing of Clark’s intentions to play at a club other than Melbourne, but former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett told the Herald Sun Clark’s return to football would be a huge personal triumph.
“Anyone who suffers a depression illness, with direct diagnosis and treatment, can actually be cured,” Kennett said.
“So, we should not doing anything but celebrating Mitch Clark’s preparedness to play football again if he is in a good place in his recovery.
“If Mitch is in a good place, he should be welcomed back into full life again by everyone.”
Meanwhile, reborn Kangaroos defender Michael Firrito, 30, is keen to play next year, with list management discussions to come after the club’s exciting run deep in the finals.
“It hasn’t got the stage where there is a contract offer in place,” North Melbourne director of football Geoff Walsh said. “But we have spoken to Mick and the list management committee have had a number of meetings. No decision has been made yet, and Michael hasn’t been told either way. But we will address that.”
Robin Nahas does not know yet whether his one-year deal with the Kangaroos will be extended.
He played eight matches this season before a shoulder injury kept him out for two months.
The question will be whether young Kangaroo Kayne Turner has taken his spot, but Walsh said no decision had been made at this stage.
NO TAKERS FOR MITCH SO FAR
MITCH Robinson is finding the job of attracting new suitors hard.
The Blues midfielder has attracted little interest so far, with rivals aware of his on and off-field weaknesses.
Despite industry speculation the Hawks were asking about him, they aren’t interested.
Hopefully he gets a second chance to redeem himself but there aren’t a raft of clubs chasing him yet.
BIG MAN SET TO LEAVE NEST?
ESSENDON’S Paddy Ryder has been the big focus, but another ruckman from West Coast is on the trade block.
Eagle Callum Sinclair is third in line in the Eagles’ ruck pecking order and could be lured elsewhere.
The Eagles will trade Sinclair if a satisfactory deal is offered.
He has played nine games in two years.
Port Adelaide has made clear it is looking for a ruckman.
Gold Coast big man Daniel Gorringe is also looking for more senior opportunity.
PAIR WAITS FOR WINDOW
THERE is no AFL rule preventing James Frawley and Jarrad Waite announcing they will depart their clubs before the free agency window officially opens.
But having seen players like Phil Davis ridiculed when he wanted out of Adelaide and officially didn’t have a new destination, it is unlikely to happen.
Instead both players seem intent on waiting until their preferred club leaves the finals race before they announce they are leaving Melbourne and Carlton respectively.
In recent years recruits like Brendon Goddard and Danyle Pearce have done all the work behind the scenes — medicals, meeting the new coach — and then their departures are announced as soon as the free agency window opens.
HOWARD’S DOG DAYS OVER?
THE Western Bulldogs pulled one off the biggest surprises of the 2009 national draft.
With the No.15 pick, the Dogs selected a Christian Howard, a half-back flanker from Glenelg.
But after just 20 games in four seasons, including only one this year, the 23-year-old is set to be delisted.
It is believed the Dogs had their sights set on Sydney speedster Lewis Jetta who was taken the selection before Howard.
DOGGIE MOVES
THERE are some tensions within the Western Bulldogs kennel and that’s not limited to the on-field.
It is understood that the Dogs have made significant changes to their medical department. Respected club doctors, Jake Landsberger and Gary Zimmerman, will remain and oversee the restructure.
Landsberger has been with the club for about 30 years, while Zimmerman is in his second decade with the Dogs.
BRAD’S BIG WEEK
NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott has had a massive week, with a semi-final win and the birth of his son, Fletcher.
But after the bundle of joy arrived on Tuesday, Scott arrived at work at 6am the following day to continue the Roos’ preparation for the Cats’ clash.
That’s a hard worker.
KENNEDY’S WISH
LEGENDARY Hawthorn patriarch John Kennedy is barracking for his grandson, Josh, to win this year’s Norm Smith Medal if the Swans make the Grand Final, but desperately wants to see his Hawks win back-to-back flags.
Speaking on Rex Hunt’s This is Your Football Life on SEN, which will air today at 7.30am, Kennedy said: “I don’t want much do I?
“I just hope (Josh) can continue because he is a great young boy, but I still want to see the Hawks at the top.”
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In demand Pies star scares off potential future buyers
Chased by North Melbourne in the 2024 trade period, Pies star Brayden Maynard looked to be one to watch during this season. But not if you ask the man himself about his future.