Ablett deal no simple switch

SUNS list manager Scott Clayton says trading Gary Ablett to Geelong will be much more creative than a straight swap for Cats midfielder Mitch Duncan.

Clayton confirmed Gold Coast had included Duncan in their talks with Geelong but said it would be part of a bigger trade as the Suns look to bolster their current list while declaring their intent to gather more future draft picks.

“We have had two or three conversations with Geelong and certainly Mitch’s name came up in regards to perhaps a bigger trade,” Clayton said on Trade Radio.

“So when you just say we have asked for Mitch for Gary I think we are going to be a bit more creative than that. Philosophically we need to bring in someone that is going to play for us and be in our top 22.

“We are in the business of winning footy matches and being successful so clearly we need to do something we can use and that helps us.”

Suns CEO Mark Evans said Ablett last week hadn’t revealed anything about retiring if his trade request did not go through but Clayton said the midfielder had mentioned it.

“That’s his option and solely up to him if he decides to go down that path,” Clayton said.

“I’d imagine he has considered it, he has mentioned that he would consider it so we will see how it rolls out.”

Ablett’s front-ended contract at the Suns could leave Geelong needing to replace about $500,000 of salary cap space to Gold Coast but Clayton said they might find value through draft picks on top of players.

“When we talk about currency in trading there is money for players contracts for currency but also draft picks are currency in regards to draft value index and points,” Clayton said.

“These are all the issues we will have to talk through with Geelong over the next period.”

Suns forward Tom Lynch will become a restricted free agent at the end of 2018 and Clayton said the co-captain remained committed to the club that would be eager to sign him to a five-year deal as soon as possible.

“He says often his great dream is to play finals footy with us,” Clayton said.

“We are continually talking to (Lynch’s manager) Paul Connors.

“That’s where the coaching thing is probably important — we will see how that goes.”

Clayton was more clear-cut about forward and West Australian Brandon Matera who is being pursued by Fremantle.

“That’s going to be interesting, do we try to do futures or a pick,” Clayton said.

“He certainly has got a better opportunity in regards to a longer term and perhaps more money deal to go back to Fremantle.”

GOLD Coast have reportedly narrowed the field for the vacant coaching position to trio John Barker, Stuart Dew and Scott Burns.

A coaching announcement is expected this week.