Dogs line up Stringer replacement from west

WESTERN Bulldogs are closing in on Fremantle high-flyer Hayden Crozier as a likely replacement for Jake Stringer.

All-Australian Stringer, 23, is expected to nominate Essendon as his preferred home today, with Geelong lurking if a deal falls through

Manager Scott Lucas said yesterday the Bulldog was worth about pick No.15 or 16 as the Dogs and Bombers prepare to start talks on a deal today at Etihad Stadium.

Out-of-contract Crozier, 24, would add athleticism, speed and spark on a forward flank and could play in the midfield.

The pick No.20 in the 2011 draft is expected to make a decision on his future today.

List chief Jason McCartney said Crozier was on the Dogs’ radar.

“He is a player who was rated highly by our recruiting team in the 2011 draft,” McCartney said.

“He’s got some attributes athletically that would really complement our group and once again he’s a player we’ve seen play some different roles.”

St Kilda is targeting GWS hard-running big man Adam Tomlinson with one of its two first-round picks.

Fremantle is keen on Gold Coast’s Brandon Matera, GWS defender Nathan Wilson and has been linked to Geelong free agent Daniel Menzel.

Essendon looms as the big player in the trade period as it eyes a trio of trade targets.

But Essendon recruiting guru Adrian Dodoro faces a huge task to pull off the deals for Stringer, Greater Western Sydney jet Devon Smith and Gold Coast’s Adam Saad.