Essendon’s new president has opposed the star duo trade talks when a rival Victorian club is reportedly circling.
Also, a first-round draft pick could be a victim of Geelong’s attempt to secure some big names on the trading table.
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Cats take part in the Isaac Smith race
1:07
BOMBER’S PRESIDENT RUBBISH TRADE ‘RUMORS’
New Essendon president Paul Brasher has categorically denied that more star players want to leave the club, saying he spoke to some of them directly about their future.
The bombers were badly hit before the trading period. Joe Daniher, Orazio Fantasia and Adam Saad have all called for the club to leave, while Conor McKenna has retired and will return to Ireland.
The future of contract couple Zach Merrett and Devon Smith has been deemed uncertain in the wake of these departures, with disappointment as to where the club will move into 2021.
Speaking on the club’s website, Brasher tried to allay bomber fanatic fears about the star duo.
“Last weekend I had a call from someone who told me the absolute fact that Zach Merrett had submitted his resignation the day before,” said Brasher.
“I spoke to Zach over the weekend and he assured me it wasn’t true and he’s looking forward to a great 2021.
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“Devon Smith was at the center of some of these rumors. Again, Devon has assured us that he has no interest in looking anywhere and is looking forward to a great 2021 too. “
Despite Brasher’s comments Channel 7 Reporter Mark Stevens said Collingwood is showing genuine interest in Merrett ahead of the trading period.
“I think the pies show a lot of interest in Zach Merrett, who has a year to get his bombers contract,” said Stevens 7NEWS.
“I think interest has increased this week, so take a look at this room.”
Brasher also pointed out that the club would be aggressive at the trading table and in the draft as high-profile departures freed up plenty of room for salary caps.
“We now have the option to have some very high draft picks and we have saved quite a bit of money in the salary cap as well,” he said.
“It is now up to us to make the most of this to bring in the talent this site will be building for the foreseeable future.”
Riewoldt ‘licks his lips’
0:51
CATS YOUNG GUN A ‘SEE THIS ROOM’
Fremantle prepares to play Jordan Clark with Geelong Young Gun. The signed Cat is one of several players on the outside as the club circled several rival stars.
Clark played 18 games for Geelong in his first season, but this year struggled to find a place on the senior team with his young colleagues Charlie Constable and Quinton Narkle.
Keep talking IT ISChannel Seven reporter Ryan Daniels said Dockers could make an offer for the Western Australian, which the Cats may be considering based on their interest in Brad Crouch, Jeremy Cameron, Shaun Higgins and, as announced on Foxfooty.com.au have to pull. Hawthorn star Isaac Smith.
“You have to free up a lot of money. Jordan is a little frustrated with his chances this year. He has only played three games. We know he’s a great talent,” said Daniels.
“But he wants to play. I think ideally he would stay in Geelong, he really loves the club, they love him but the kid wants to be out there and maybe moving to WA is out of the question.
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“Look at this room. If the situation doesn’t change for Jordan in the next 12 months, I wouldn’t be surprised if he played for West Coast or Fremantle again.
“I’ve been told Fremantle are the ones who are great, great at him.”
Another WA local, Narkle, sits in a similar boat to Clark but has more leeway not to move beyond this year.
“Narkle no longer has a contract, Geelong has not offered him a new contract. They’re waiting to see what happens to list sizes and all the other guys I mentioned earlier, ”Daniels said.
“He’s a great talent, we know what he’s capable of, 17 games in four years – I would be very, very surprised at this point if he were actually at Geelong next year.
“Whether he moves back to WA or not, I don’t think it matters to him, he just wants to play, much like Clark.
“But his situation is very different – he has no contract for next year and I expect there will be a lot of clubs that are very interested in Quinton Narkle.”
PIES TO RAMP UP DE GOEY TALKS
Star Jordan De Goey will meet with Collingwood on Friday as the two parties try to negotiate a deal for the non-contractual Magpie.
De Goey and his current manager, Father Roger, will meet with Collingwood’s football manager, Geoff Walsh, and list manager, Ned Guy.
According to 7 NEWS, Collingwood will make an offer to De Goey that has interest from competing AFL clubs.
Earlier this week IT IS reported that Essendon had entered the race for the cake Foxfooty.com.au De Goey had told Collingwood in August that he would sign again, but seven weeks later there is still no signature for a hefty contract.
Magpies manager Nathan Buckley spoke openly about where the deal lies after the club’s semi-final defeat by Geelong.
“Jordy loves the club,” Buckley told reporters at the Gabba.
“He wants to be here. Elements of people on his side want him to be rewarded as well as possible, and we want him to be appropriately rewarded as well. As we do with the other 44 players on the list, what they bring to the table. “
The Magpies are currently on a salary cap and key defender Moore has signed a new deal with young shooter Josh Daicos.
“I think that’s what matters,” he said.
“There is no shortage of belief in what the place does for him and the possibilities it offers. And the love, care and solidarity that he not only has with the club, but also with his teammates. There still has to be a monetary outcome that is mutually satisfactory. “
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