Giant Adam Tomlinson might be forced out as GWS tries to keep Lachie Whitfield

GWS’s desperation to hold on to All-Australian superstar Lachie Whitfield looks likely to force popular teammate Adam Tomlinson out of the club. And one Melbourne club has emerged as the leading contender.

Adam Tomlinson looks on the move. Pic: AAP

GWS’s desperation to hold on to All-Australian superstar Lachie Whitfield looks likely to force popular teammate Adam Tomlinson out of the club.

Tomlinson was a shock axing from the Giants side to take on the Western Bulldogs today and the 26-year-old is said to be “shattered” by the gut-wrenching call to dump him for a final, when he has played in 80 of the past 81 games for GWS — including every playoff the club has ever contested.

Carlton and St Kilda have made generous offers to try to pry Tomlinson away from GWS in previous years, but it emerged last night that Melbourne might be his most likely suitor for 2020 and beyond.

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Adam Tomlinson might be forced out. Pic: AAP

There is no suggestion of any correlation between the decision to drop the consistent midfielder — to accommodate Brett Deledio’s return from injury — and his future on the Giants’ list.

However, the fact is the salary cap squeeze is on at GWS following Stephen Coniglio’s million-dollar-a-season deal, and the Giants are now looking ahead to how they can lock down key pieces Whitfield and Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron, who come off contract next year.

Tomlinson is considered the ultimate club man and ideally would want to stay, but playing every game of the season only to miss out for a final puts him in a vulnerable position to be forced out unless other factors change on the list.

For example, if veteran Heath Shaw were to retire.

Yesterday, Tomlinson showed his class, leaving his personal disappointment at the door to carry on with his

customary role of leading the GWS captain’s run ahead of the elimination final.

Said it before, Steve Smith is mental toughness #TheAshes2019

— Adam Tomlinson (@adamtomlinson20) September 5, 2019

“It’s obviously extremely shattering for him,” said Giants leader, Toby Greene.

“I guess it’s a good problem for us. We’ve got that many blokes to pick from that are up and ready to go and a chance to play.

“It’s extremely unfortunate for him but hopefully we give him the chance to potentially come in next week.”

Tomlinson could take inspiration from the journey of Australian cricket’s Ashes hero, tweeting yesterday, “Steve Smith is mental toughness.”

It’s understood those close to Tomlinson are disappointed he has been dropped for a final when he hasn’t missed a game for two seasons and has selflessly filled any hole or position required of him.

Tomlinson makes his way onto the field for training yesterday. Pic: Getty Images

But it would seem Tomlinson is just an unlucky victim of timing in the sense this is the first time all season the injury-ravaged Giants have had a full complement of depth to choose from.

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There’s an element of risk in backing in Deledio given his history of calf injuries, but despite those issues, he has a strong history of immediately bouncing back when fit.

Last year when the salary cap pinch hit, GWS accepted a low value fourth round pick to offload Tom Scully to Hawthorn — as they needed to get his cash off their books.

But Tomlinson is a restricted free agent which means the Giants would receive a compensation pick should he join a Victorian club.

Tomlinson’s departure for a possible market value of $500,000 would likely trigger a first or second round draft pick, which would be a boost to the Giants given the anticipated evenness of the talent pool in this year’s National Draft.

Originally published as Giant Adam Tomlinson might be forced out as GWS tries to keep Lachie Whitfield