Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says Lachie Hunter isn’t seeking a trade
He is the father-son who is already a premiership player and has a best and fairest to his name. But could Lachie Hunter be looking for a fresh start? Following trade speculation, the Dogs have given an update on his future.
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Lachie Hunter will remain at the Western Bulldogs, senior coach Luke Beveridge says as he described rumours linking his former vice-captain with a move away from the club as “made-up” and a “non-issue”.
Hunter will play his first game in nearly a month against Adelaide on Sunday, after taking a break for “personal reasons” following Round 7 - his second game back from suspension for a drink driving incident in the AFL shutdown.
Hunter was earmarked to play in the Bulldogs loss to Brisbane on Saturday night, but after he reported a sore calf in the final training session before the Lions clash he instead played in a scratch match.
Hunter was linked with a move to Brisbane on Footy Classified on Wednesday night, and then on SEN on Friday morning.
Beveridge said he was unaware of the rumours.
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“Lachie is red white and blue through and through, he obviously has had some challenges this year,” he said.
“I wouldn’t imagine Lachie would be entertaining the possibility of playing for another club. He is very adored and supported at our football club and I think we have managed to work through a difficult period for him, he still has some challenges ahead.
“But it is disappointing that there is a bit of innuendo, or stories out there about him possibly leaving the club because I think that is the furthest thing from Lachie’s mind or our mind, he is a Bulldogs player and he will be with us next year I have no doubt.”
Beveridge said this would not affect Hunter’s mindset upon his return to footy, despite his challenges in 2020.
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“It’s a made up story, I don’t know where it has come from … I’m sure Lachie is not shopping himself around, it’s a non-issue,” he said.
“He’s contracted I think for another four years, he is happy, content and he has no desire to leave our footy club.
“I wouldn’t think it would affect Lachie, as much as he has had challenges in recent times he stays on top of outside noise. He has had some personal troubles but nothing to do with outside criticism.”
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Hunter will be an inclusion for the Bulldogs for the clash against the winless Crows.
Jason Johannisen will miss the match at Metricon Stadium, after suffering an ankle injury at training on Wednesday.
Beveridge said he may play next week.
Bailey Smith and Laitham Vandermeer both had scans on Thursday, and while Beveridge said Smith will play against the Crows Vandermeer would be rested.
Zaine Cordy will also miss the Crows game, with a replacement yet to be finalised by the Bulldogs coaching staff.
TRADE BUZZ: WHO IS CHASING DANIHER
Jay Clark
Essendon spearhead Joe Daniher is closing in on a comeback over the next fortnight in a desperate bid to reignite his AFL career.
It is hoped the gun forward will press for selection in some match practice next weekend or potentially the following week after shining on the training track in recent sessions.
Daniher, 26, would likely play limited minutes in his first few scrimmages but could potentially gear up for an AFL match later next month.
A return would mark the end of a nightmare two-and-a-half year-long battle with a groin problem which has threatened to steal the prime years of his career
Coach John Worsfold on Wednesday night said Daniher was pushing towards a playing comeback after a long and frustrating stint out of the game.
“Joe, as we have said before, is progressing well,” Worsfold said.
“He has obviously ramped up his (training) volumes coming back from his calf (injury) that set him back a little bit.
“Hopefully he keeps progressing and when the time is right – between Joe and the medical staff and everyone – we will take the next step.”
However, the club will be careful not to risk another injury to Daniher as another groin setback could seriously threaten his career.
The gun spearhead is still weighing up his future, with Sydney Swans and Brisbane Lions known to be considering a move for the free agent.
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The Bombers remain hopeful Daniher will stay at the club beyond this year despite requesting trade to Sydney last season.
Geelong could also emerge as a smoky in the chase for his signature as the Cats scour the competition for a key forward partner and replacement option for Tom Hawkins.
The Cats had an interest in GWS Giants’ spearhead Jeremy Cameron, but all indications are Cameron wants to stay and re-sign a long-term contract extension.
It could force the Cats to look in Daniher’s direction for another tall forward presence as the club tries to stay in the premiership window.
The Herald Sun revealed last month the Cats were also considering a play for Adelaide free agent Brad Crouch to help bolster the onball division.
The clubs eyeing Daniher will be eager to assess his form and fitness upon his return to match practice and inter-club scrimmages in a fortnight.
Captain Dyson Heppell last week said Daniher had completed the best training session he had seen from him this year.
Brisbane Lions’ champion Jonathan Brown said the Bombers would want to elevate Daniher to AFL level after a couple of full match practice sessions.
“They probably need a couple of games under his belt, a couple of practice matches,” Brown said on Fox Footy.
“But ultimately you have got to play him.
“You are going to have to give him a crack. He’s sitting there and he’s ready to go. You have to play him.
“Their forward line is better with Daniher in there.”
While the Bombers remain keen to re-sign the father-son gem, Daniher’s departure could considerably bolster Essendon’s draft position.
The Bombers would be guaranteed a first or second-round draft pick as compensation for Daniher’s exit, depending on how much his next deal is worth at a new club.
To secure a first-round compensation pick, Daniher would have to be given a deal in excess of $700,000 a season at another club.
A more moderate deal – given his considerable injury history – would trigger an end-of-first-round or second-round choice.
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The Bombers remained outside the eight after drawing with Gold Coast on the back of two late David Zaharakis clutch set shots on Wednesday night.
It means Essendon, who face tough assignments against St Kilda and Richmond over the next fortnight, would be given pick No. 10 based on current ladder positions.
There remains considerable debate about Daniher’s worth after playing only 11 games since the start of 2018 amid season-ending groin surgery last year.
But some impressive training form over the past fortnight has bolstered hopes the high-leaping forward can continue a successful career at the top level.
Originally published as Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says Lachie Hunter isn’t seeking a trade
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