SSP signing news: Brayden Crossley receives two-week extension with Bulldogs

After battling for a place on the Bulldogs’ list all summer, one of the bigger names in the VFL has taken a giant step towards fulfilling their AFL dream.

Former Gold Coast ruckman Brayden Crossley has taken a big step towards an official list spot at Western Bulldogs after receiving a two-week train-on extension.

The Dogs confirmed on Thursday Crossley would stay with the Dogs for another fortnight and take on Essendon in the near sold-out practice match at Whitten Oval on February 15.

As the Herald Sun revealed on Wednesday, Crossley is now the frontrunner to join the Dogs ahead of hard nut midfielder Dom Brew who hurt his quad late last year.

The key factor in the decision is the slew of injuries to the club’s key position stocks including Tim English who is under an injury cloud ahead of Round 1 with an abdominal strain.

Brayden Crossley is set to stay on with the Dogs. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

It is an extraordinary rise for Southport ruckman Crossley who only met his Bulldogs’ teammates last week ahead of the scratch match in Noosa on Sunday.

He played well in the game and would offer the Dogs valuable ruck depth or even an option in the season-opener against North Melbourne if English is unavailable.

Brew will continue to train at the club ahead of a decision before the deadline on February 21.

Crossley played 10 games for the Suns in 2018 and at age 25 is desperate to revive his AFL career.

Only a few tickets remain to the match simulation against Essendon which will help celebrate the club’s 100th year in the AFL/VFL.

The game is expected to sell out in the next day or two, drawing a capacity crowd of 8000.

THIRD CLUB LUCKY? LATE SUITOR EMERGES FOR DISCARDED DEMON

West Coast is strongly considering offering a last-minute opportunity to former Melbourne and GWS swingman Adam Tomlinson.

The Herald Sun can reveal the Eagles met with Tomlinson in Melbourne last week to discuss whether he could head west for a train-on chance and potential list spot on the eve of the season.

Tomlinson, 31, looms as a ready-made addition who could help replace departed big man Tom Barrass early in the season and provide key position coverage at both ends.

Gun defender Jeremy McGovern, 32, and jet forward Oscar Allen have also endured persistent injury troubles in recent years.

Tomlinson played 45 matches for the Demons after 140 with GWS. Picture: Michael Klein

The 31-year-old Tomlinson, who played well in North Melbourne’s scratch match last week, has maintained his excellent fitness levels after eight games with the Demons last year and 185 AFL matches in total.

He dominated at VFL level averaging 24 possessions across nine games in the state league competition and 15 touches a game at the top level.

But Tomlinson also has a young family to consider if the formal comes his way, and linked up to play with North Melbourne in the VFL this year.

Eagles’ list manager Matthew Clarke met with Tomlinson, who is open to another season at the top level if it also suits his young family.

Adam Tomlinson could join a third AFL club after interest from West Coast. Picture: Matt King/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Tomlinson also has a strong relationship with new Eagles’ coach Andrew McQualter who was an assistant at Melbourne last year.

Discussions with Tomlinson’s manager, former Richmond and GWS star Brett Deledio, from Macs Sports, are ongoing.

The Eagles are still weighing up their options including the interest in Tomlinson, the 194cm swingman who played 140 games at GWS and 45 at Melbourne.

West Coast is on the clock to make a call ahead of the club’s first pre-season scratch match against Richmond on Monday, February 17.

Former St Kilda defender James Van Es and ex Gold Coast backman Sandy Brock are also training with the club and are under consideration.

The club plays Gold Coast in Perth in Round 1.