Dogs set to take a leap on Freo flyer
WESTERN Bulldogs are closing in on Fremantle high-flyer Hayden Crozier as a likely forward line replacement for Jake Stringer.
All-Australian Stringer, 23, is expected to nominate Essendon as his preferred new home today, with Geelong lurking in the shadows if a deal falls through
Respected manager Scott Lucas yesterday said Stringer was worth about pick No. 15 or 16 as the Dogs and Bombers prepare to start talks on a deal today at Etihad Stadium.
Stringer’s departure would rob the Dogs of their leading goal kicker over the past two seasons, leaving the 2016 premier on the lookout for more scoring power in this year’s trade period.
After Stringer, the Dogs leading goal kickers this year were veteran Liam Picken (24 goals), midfielder Marcus Bontempelli (20) and playmaker Lachie Hunter (18).
Out-of-contract Crozier, 24, would add some athleticism, speed and spark on a forward flank and also has plans to play through the midfield.
The pick No.20 in the 2011 draft is expected to make a decision on his future today.
List chief Jason McCartney confirmed Crozier was on the Dogs’ radar.
“He (Crozier) is a player that 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 that we’ve seen play some different roles.”
The Dogs want to protect their strong position in the national draft and could hand over their third-round selection (No. 39) to Fremantle for Crozier. St Kilda is targeting GWS Giants hard-running big man Adam Tomlinson with one of its two first-round picks. Delisted Swan Michael Talia has also met the Saints.
Fremantle is keen on Gold Coast livewire Brandon Matera, Greater Western Sydney defender Nathan Wilson and have been linked to Geelong free agent Daniel Menzel.
Lucas said Menzel would be weighing up a move.
“If he could find a longerterm contract somewhere else with some security I think there is a real chance he would go,” Lucas said on SEN.
“I think the coach (Chris Scott) at times is frustrated by that lack of forward pressure.”
Essendon looms as the big player in the trade period over the next fortnight as the Bombers eye a trio of trade targets to help jump up into the top-four next year.
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.
The Giants and Suns want top-25 choices for Smith and Saad, or in the Suns’ case, an equivalent senior player.
The Bombers could be forced to part with Aaron Francis to facilitate all three moves. The defender wants to go back to South Australia.