Dockers’ bid to solve trade war stalemate
FREMANTLE footy boss Peter Bell will fly into Melbourne today to resolve a series of impasses holding up the trade period with two days to go.
The Demons and Dockers traded barbs in their public statements on Friday, but are set to resume key talks over the future of Melbourne spearhead Jesse Hogan today.
Deals involving Hogan, Lion Dayne Beams and Suns’ stopper Steve May all hinge on the Dockers releasing midfield hard-nut Lachie Neale to Brisbane for the Lions’ top pick (No.5) and a swap of other selections.
Collingwood remains intent on landing Beams, the Magpies’ 2012 best and fairest winner, in return for pick No.18 and a swap of future picks.
Collingwood wants to welcome back Beams and still have enough draft value index points to net academy prospect Isaac Quaynor and father-son Will Kelly.
Beams’ return would be a massive boost for the Collingwood engine room as it aims to avenge this year’s grand final loss to the Eagles.
The Neale deal will likely trigger Hogan’s move west to Fremantle, with the key forward’s connections hopeful the two clubs will finally make ground on a deal today.
Hogan’s management had talks with Fremantle officials in Perth over the weekend.
As a minimum for Hogan, Melbourne want pick No.5 (via Brisbane) and another pick to secure Gold Coast defenders May and Kade Kolodjashnij.
The Demons initially asked for two first-round selections for Hogan but that stance appears to have softened as the two clubs try to find a resolution.
But Geelong has stood firm on its request for a top 10 selection from West Coast for gun midfielder Tim Kelly.
The Cats had talks with the Eagles yesterday and have rejected an offer of pick No.20 and 22 for the star Geelong midfielder.
He could remain at Geelong where he is contracted for one more season unless West Coast considers including its future first-round pick to sweeten the deal, but that has not yet been forthcoming.
Top manager Paul Connors confirmed his client Beams wanted to return to the Pies before Wednesday’s 8.30pm trade deadline after losing his father this year.
But he said Collingwood would have to come to the party with some decent draft picks.
“It would have to be a very good deal for Brisbane to look at it,” Connors said.
“If a deal doesn’t get done, he’ll stay there, and that’s why everyone’s a bit obsessed whether he’s going to demand or ask for a trade home.”
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