Bombers to snare Giant star

ESSENDON has won the hotly contested race for Dylan Shiel, with GWS left to try to extract the best trade it can for the star midfielder.

After lengthy deliberations, Shiel yesterday notified Hawthorn, Carlton and St Kilda he wanted to be a Bomber.

The Giants are set to lose Shiel, Rory Lobb, who wants to go to Fremantle, Jeremy Finlayson (North Melbourne) and Will Setterfield (Carlton) in this trade period.

But while GWS needs to free up some salary cap space, the club has warned it is not conducting a fire sale.

“The Giants are prepared to discuss potential trade options with the Bombers that sees an appropriate return for the club,” the statement on Shiel read.

“Dylan is contracted to the Giants for the 2019 season and he will remain a Giant should a suitable trade not be reached.”

GWS football boss Wayne Campbell conceded his club needed to clear cap space, but said it could still afford to keep Shiel if an appropriate deal was not forthcoming.

Essendon’s No.9 pick at this draft will not be enough. But an extra future first or possibly second-round pick might be enough to pull off the recruiting coup a year after it landed Devon Smith, Jake Stringer and Adam Saad.

“I think he just feels that they’ve got a great young list,” manager Paul Connors told Trade Radio.