GWS Giants’ midfielder Aiden Bonar weighs up a return home to a Melbourne club
Aiden Bonar faces a challenge breaking into the Giants’ stacked midfield next season. And rival clubs might make their move if the talented GWS ballwinner decides to make a move.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Powerful Greater Western Sydney midfielder Aiden Bonar could explore a move to a Melbourne club in search of greater senior opportunity next season.
Multiple clubs have expressed interest in the Dandenong product but will wait until the final days of the trade period next week to pursue the matter.
Bonar, who was rated as one of the most talented players of the 2017 national draft, is a big-bodied midfielder with exciting athletic traits.
Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
But after playing only six games in his first two years at GWS, the No. 11 draft pick could again be stuck on the fringes of the talent-laden GWS midfield.
The exciting utility is aware he will face stiff competition from the returning Callan Ward, re-signed onballer Stephen Coniglio, Jacob Hopper, Matt de Boer and Josh Kelly in the Giants’ engine room in 2020.
It means the 20-year-old could appeal to Essendon as an inside contested ball-winner or Hawthorn to add some x-factor to its rebuild on the run.
His versatility is also appealing as Bonar is strong overhead, a busy pressure-player and can impact the contest around goal.
But the 188cm ballwinner is not a priority for either the Hawks or Bombers yet and will likely be considered as a secondary option on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.
Sources said the Giants could possibly entertain a move for a top-30 pick but there remains a strong chance he will stay at the club again next season.
Essendon has prioritised the situation with spearhead Joe Daniher and wants to block his trade request to Sydney Swans, unless they fork over two high-end picks.
Hawthorn has a trade philosophy to bring in talented players who may be facing some adversity at their original club.
Bonar has suffered two knee reconstructions but like Jon Patton, who has sustained three ACL tears, has since made a full recovery.
MORE TRADE NEWS:
AFL Trades: Geelong and West Coast agree on trade deal for Tim Kelly
GWS remains confident Jeremy Cameron will sign a new deal with the club
GWS forward Jon Patton sees his future at Hawthorn
The Hawks could add Bonar into the Patton trade but in any case the Giants would want something in the vicinity of a second-round pick for Bonar, at least.
While the Giants rate Bonar highly and want to keep him, the second-year midfielder is again going to find it tough to break into the senior team next season.
The right-footer is contracted for two more years at GWS and has said multiple times he’s happily settled off the field up north.
Even young midfielders Jackson Hately and Jye Caldwell could push for senior games next year.
Originally published as GWS Giants’ midfielder Aiden Bonar weighs up a return home to a Melbourne club