Will Hoskin-Elliott among several Giants being courted by Victorian clubs

GREATER Western Sydney youngster Will Hoskin-Elliott is open to a move home to Victorian next season as rivals circle the former No.4 draft pick.

GREATER Western Sydney youngster Will Hoskin-Elliott is open to a move home to a Victorian club next season as rivals circle the former No.4 draft pick.

The line breaking wingman has played only two games for the Giants amid a quad problem this season, but is on the verge of a senior return.

The Herald Sun understands almost every Victorian club has inquired about the utility’s plans, although he remains contracted to GWS next season.

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Collingwood is one club which has been linked to the 186cm Hoskin-Elliott, after meeting with powerful 188cm Western Bulldogs’ midfielder Lin Jong mid-season.

From Western Jets, Hoskin-Elliott is a dynamic, goalkicking midfielder who has played some of his best football on the wide open spaces of the MCG.

However, the 52-gamer has struggled to cement his position in a GWS midfield which is flush with hard-running ball winners such as Josh Kelly and Tom Scully.

Will Hoskin-Elliott takes a mark against Collingwood last season. Picture: George Salpigtidis

It’s understood Hoskin-Elliott, 22, will consider his options at season’s end, with the Giants needing to create space in their salary cap.

He kicked 26 goals from 20 games in 2014 but his career has since stalled, playing only 13 games, including a shoulder setback, over the past two seasons.

Versatile key position player Adam Tomlinson, intercepting defender Caleb Marchbank, tough midfielder Jack Steele and homesick goalkicker Cam McCarthy are also being courted from the Giants.

Tomlinson looks set to join Carlton, while the Saints have interest in Steele. Fremantle will certainly claim McCarthy.

The Magpies look set to trade back-up ruckman Jarrod Witts after an injury-marred campaign in what could lend itself to another swap with the expansion club.

Collingwood claimed Adam Treloar from the Giants last year and has bolstered its ties with the GWS players after adding former Giants’ list manager Graeme Allen to the Pies’ women’s football and netball set-up.

Jack Steele launches GWS into attack against Brisbane.

Brisbane Lions and GWS are interested in the 209cm big man. Witts was recruited from Sydney University with pick No.67 in the 2011 national draft.

Witts, 23, started in Collingwood’s side in Round 1 but has since been leapfrogged by on-fire ruckman Brodie Grundy.

Collingwood football manager Neil Balme said it was hard to play two genuine ruckmen unless they were versatile enough to have an impact in the forward line.

“The hard thing for ruckmen is you only want one-and-a-quarter,” Balme said on SEN

“You don’t want two unless they can play really well up forward.”

Pies’ free agents Nathan Brown, Brent Macaffer and Alan Toovey remain unsigned for next season.

Wantaway Giant Cam McCarthy trains with WAFL club South Fremantle.

GIANTS UP FOR GRABS

WILL HOSKIN-ELLIOTT

Age: 22 Height: 186cm

From: Western Jets, Victoria

Position: outside midfielder, forward

Games: 52

Avg disposals: 12

Snug fit: Collingwood

ADAM TOMLINSON

Age: 22 Height: 193cm

From: Oakleigh, Victoria

Position: key position player

Games: 61

Avg disposals: 15

Snug fit: Carlton

JACK STEELE

Age: 20 Height: 187cm

From: Belconnen, ACT

Position: inside midfielder

Games: 17

Avg disposals: 15

Snug fit: St Kilda

CALEB MARCHBANK

Age: 19 Height: 193cm

From: Benalla, Victoria

Position: defender

Games: 7

Avg disposals: 9

Snug fit: Carlton/St Kilda

CAM MCCARTHY

Age: 21 Height: 192cm

From: South Fremantle, WA

Position: forward

Games: 21

Avg disposals: 9

Gone: Fremantle