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Melbourne premiership star Jack Viney is a person in demand, with West Coast and Essendon each upping their curiosity within the veteran midfielder.
Viney, 32, has met with the Eagles and coach Andrew McQualter in Perth, whereas he may also full a medical with the Bombers this weekend.
West Coast checklist boss Matt Clarke informed AFL Commerce Radio it was “arduous to know” whether or not the Eagles had the sting over the Bombers at this stage.
“That might be up for his administration as soon as we’ve spoken to them, and I haven’t spoken to the TGI guys since Jack’s return [from Perth],” Clarke mentioned.
“We might put collectively a fairly good package deal for him, on area and off area, and the place he matches into our group.
“Andrew [McQualter], clearly, has a connection to him via his days at Melbourne … we really feel like we’re well-placed. We all know what Jack can deliver to us, for our enjoying group and likewise the footy membership. We’ll wait to see what pans out within the subsequent few days.”
Viney spent a number of days in Perth weighing up a attainable shift, the Eagles hoping the previous Demons co-captain will enhance their midfield and supply robust management.
Whereas he’s contracted for an additional two years, Viney was informed by the Demons won’t be of their greatest 23 subsequent season, and was free to discover a transfer.
The Bombers additionally covet Viney’s expertise, and he may very well be a alternative for Zach Merrett, who is predicted to hitch Hawthorn.
As beforehand reported by this masthead, Essendon had already met with Viney, and the AFL web site reported on Saturday that he was as a consequence of have a medical with the membership over the weekend. The Bombers have been contacted for remark.
Viney managed just one senior recreation this season due to an Achilles damage, returning for the wildcard conflict in opposition to Carlton, the place he did not have an effect.
As Viney contemplates change, the Western Bulldogs’ hopes of rising as official premiership contenders subsequent season have been additional buoyed after touchdown a sorely wanted key defender via free company on Saturday.
Jordon Butts, an unrestricted free agent, fell out of favour with the Crows this season, however he has been assured a five-year contract with the Bulldogs, who had their season extinguished by the Crows in an elimination closing final month.
The Crows have been awarded band-three compensation, making certain they’ve an additional decide within the second spherical of the draft (presently decide No.33).
Butts, 26, performed 94 video games for the Crows over eight seasons. He averaged 11 disposals, together with three intercept marks, per recreation within the 9 senior video games he performed this 12 months.
“I’m motivated to return into the membership and make a distinction, persevering with to develop as a participant and assist the crew wherever attainable, working alongside some actually gifted people,” Butts mentioned on Saturday.
“There may be lots of pleasure and optimism across the membership for the time being, and I couldn’t be extra happy to be part of it as we chase success collectively.”
The Bulldogs have, at occasions, struggled defensively, however Butts’ signing will assist to alleviate these points, given he’ll play alongside Buku Khamis – who has signed a five-year contract extension – and the hardworking James O’Donnell.
The Crows had hoped to safe a better compensation decide, however these hopes have been dashed when GWS and the Brisbane Lions have been every given band-three compensation for dropping Toby Greene and Lachie Neale respectively.
Western Bulldogs participant acquisition and technique supervisor Michael Regan mentioned Butts’ intercept marking expertise have been of excessive worth.
“We’re thrilled {that a} participant of Jordon’s calibre selected to hitch the Western Bulldogs for 2027 and past,” Regan mentioned.
“Jordon is a gifted and aggressive key defender who has confirmed he can negate and intercept in opposition to the most effective key forwards within the competitors. His talent set enhances our present backline, and as a high-quality footballer and particular person, he’ll add to our tradition whereas giving himself and our defensive group the most effective likelihood to flourish.”
Fellow Bulldogs defender Rory Lobb might have to finish the ultimate 12 months on his contract, regardless of being linked with a transfer to St Kilda forward of Monday’s official begin to the commerce interval. Saints soccer supervisor Lenny Hayes mentioned {that a} deal for the versatile tall appeared unlikely.
“His title has been talked about, and there was some speak that we’ve put a three-year contract to Rory. I can say that isn’t the case. And that’s in all probability trying much less seemingly than seemingly,” Hayes mentioned.
Lobb, 33, has performed 81 video games for the Bulldogs since becoming a member of from Fremantle after the 2022 season.
Butts’ defection provides to what shapes as a gold-plated low season for the Bulldogs, who’re additionally anticipated to safe Zak Butters – the Port Adelaide star having formally nominated the membership as his most popular vacation spot by way of restricted free company on a historic nine-year deal price as much as $2 million per season, the largest deal in AFL historical past.
Nevertheless, complexities stay in rubber-stamping the transfer. The Energy must determine whether or not to match the supply to Butters or drive a commerce. In the event that they select to not match, they are going to obtain what’s presently decide No.5 within the nationwide draft – the choice after Port’s first decide. The Energy, nonetheless, have made it clear they need extra, and are probably looking for as much as three first-round choices. The AFL is in lock-step with each golf equipment to make sure any deal is above board.
The Energy’s early draft choices might be wanted to match the seemingly bid at decide No.1 for his or her academy gun Dougie Cochrane.
Geelong, Richmond and Collingwood had additionally pursued Butters, who hails from Darley close to Bacchus Marsh and grew up a Bulldogs fan.
Star Crows midfielder Izak Rankine has inked a five-year contract extension with the membership.
“I grew up a diehard Crows supporter and enjoying right here is all I’ve ever wished,” Rankine mentioned.
With Peter Ryan
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Jon Pierik is a sports activities journalist at The Age. He covers AFL and has received awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Join by way of X or e mail.