Suns to seek draft pick for Matera
GOLD Coast will seek a draft pick in any trade deal for forward Brandon Matera who is in line to join Fremantle.
Suns insiders believe a draft pick would be the preferred option for the club over a player in return for the 25-year-old.
Gold Coast would likely get a player of similar ilk to Matera, who has struggled at times to lock down his place in the Suns’ best 22 going forward.
In Matera’s favour is the fact the crafty goal kicker produced some career-best footy in periods throughout 2017.
Given Matera is off contract and seemingly unwanted by the Suns, it gives the Dockers more power at the trade table and Gold Coast may get a third or fourth-round draft pick in the deal. Fremantle hold pick 40 in Round three and picks 55 and 58 in Round 4.
The Suns will use any draft pick they receive to invest in younger talent or use it to strengthen any of their own negotiations for experienced talent to improve their list.
Gold Coast are already in a strong position for this year’s draft, holding picks 2, 19, 22, 24, 33 and 37.
The Suns are comfortable with their small forward stocks with the likes of young guns Jack Martin, Ben Ainsworth and Callum Ah Chee. News Corp reported that Matera completed a medical assessment at Fremantle on Friday.