AFL trades: Carlton, Essendon express interest in Gold Coast speedster Adam Saad

TWO Victorian clubs are frontrunners to secure the services Gold Coast Suns speedster Adam Saad. Plus the latest on Gary Ablett, Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Jake Lever.

Adam Saad has no shortage of suitors as he seeks to return home to Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

CARLTON and Essendon have emerged as the frontrunners to secure Gold Coast speedster Adam Saad as he explores a return home to Melbourne.

The Suns are understanding of Saad’s family and religious ties which have prompted the explosive backman to strongly consider a move back to Victoria.

But the Blues and Bombers would have to satisfy Gold Coast with a second-round draft pick or equivalent player to seal the deal.

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The Coburg product finished 10th in the Suns’ best and fairest in his third AFL season and is currently holidaying in Thailand.

Carlton yesterday confirmed it would seek more information from Saad, and his manager, John Meesen from i50, about his intentions for 2018.

“Obviously we would be interested in talking,” Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said.

“But he has got to make up his mind to be really sure he wants to come home to Melbourne.”

The Blues will be in a stronger position to land Saad, 23, if star midfielder Bryce Gibbs renews his request to be traded to Adelaide, as expected.

They are also circling Greater Western Sydney forward Devon Smith and defender-midfielder Matthew Kennedy and Brisbane midfielder Tom Rockliff.

Essendon is also one of the league’s most active clubs in the post-season exchange period as it chases exiled Western Bulldog Jake Stringer.

In addition, Saad would be an immediate replacement for retired defender James Kelly on the half back line.

Essendon will hope Adam Saad can fill the void of retired half back James Kelly. Picture: AAP

The Bombers are reluctant to hand over pick No. 11 for Stringer without getting an early selection back, and will instead push to use its second choice (No. 28) for the All-Australian.

The Dogs have made clear they will not accept a second-round selection for Stringer and will attempt to keep him at the kennel next season without adequate compensation.

Suns’ list chief Scott Clayton said Stringer’s value had taken a small hit.

“I would have said before last month or so (he was worth) mid-first (round) but I think it might have dropped-off a little bit,’ Clayton said.

“It’s very hard to step back (from trading a player) once you say (to them) ‘You’re out’.”

Ablett is bound for Geelong in a deal that could involve out-of-contract Cats midfielder Darcy Lang.

Lang’s management yesterday confirmed the fringe midfielder had an open mind about his next step.

“We’re prepared to consider all options that he has, that includes Gold Coast, and there’s certainly some interest from Victorian-based clubs,” Scott Lucas from Phoenix Management said.

Cat Darcy Lang is keeping an open mind about his future. Picture: AAP

Sources close to Geelong’s Mitch Duncan have confirmed he has no interest in being part of the Ablett deal. Port Adelaide has strong interest in free agent Steve Motlop.

Clayton said the deal for Ablett could be multifaceted. The Suns also want as much as $300,000 from the Cats.

“We’ve had two or three conversations with Geelong and certainly Mitch (Duncan)’s name came up ... perhaps in regards to a bigger trade,” Clayton said.

“Philosophically, we need to get someone that is going to play for us and be in our top 22. We need to get someone that’s going to help us.”

Melbourne is continuing negotiations with Adelaide about a deal for gun defender Jake Lever, involving the Dees’ No. 10 draft pick.

The Demons want a second-round pick for Jack Watts as a minimum. Watts has received interest from Port Adelaide and Sydney.

Melbourne is also chasing homesick Fremantle hard nut Harley Balic