A new suitor has emerged for an out-of-contract Magpie in link to one of Collingwood’s many other targets.
Plus rival clubs are eyeing a young Cat ahead of next Wednesday’s trade deadline.
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SUNS EXPLORING MOVE FOR POULTER
The Gold Coast Suns are the latest rival club to show interest in Collingwood youngster Caleb Poulter, according to AFL Media.
It comes after a report last month linked the Adelaide Crows to the 19-year old South Australian, who’s out of contract.
It’s believed Poulter could be included in a deal for Brayden Fiorini, however AFL Media reports the Magpies and Suns aren’t deep in negotiations for the Gold Coast midfielder at this stage.
Poulter only played one game under Craig McRae this season after impressing in his 2021 debut year, making 11 appearances after being taken with Pick 30 in the 2020 draft.
Collingwood is among the busiest clubs this trade period as it looks to land Adelaide’s Billy Frampton in addition to interest in Fiorini and Hawthorn’s Tom Mitchell, while Ollie Henry (Geelong) and Brodie Grundy (Melbourne) are likely to depart.
Poulter’s manager said the priority was to get him on a list in 2023.
“It’s not ideal to get to this stage of the year and not have a contract there, Collingwood is doing a lot it seems (in the trade period) and trying to bring a few people in,” Mac’s Sports Promotions’ Tom McConville said on AFL Trade Radio.
“He’s in the position where he showed a lot in his first year, then probably found it hard this year behind (Josh) Daicos and (Steele) Sidebottom.
“We’re just waiting on that one, our priority is to have him playing league footy next year. Whether it’s at Collingwood or wherever, he’s hellbent on being on a list.
“We’ve had a few conversations with a few people, It’s not too concrete at this stage and there’s a lot to play out. We’re waiting by the phone and seeing what comes of it.”
The Suns have already nabbed Ben Long from St Kilda and Tom Berry from Brisbane this trade period and are set to off-load Izak Rankine (to Adelaide), Jack Bowes (Geelong) and potentially Fiorini (Collingwood) and Jeremy Sharp (Fremantle), while Josh Corbett on Thursday was dealt to the Dockers.
RIVAL INTEREST IN STEPHENS
Rival clubs have identified Cooper Stephens as a target ahead of next Wednesday’s trade deadline, with the young Cat set to fall further down the midfield pecking order, reports AFL Media.
It comes with Geelong likely to bring in Jack Bowes from Gold Cold Coast and Tanner Bruhn from GWS to add to Geelong’s on-ball unit that was already without Brandon Parfitt and Sam Menegola in the grand final due to a selection squeeze.
‘Best or worst thing’ for Rankine | 03:49
Stephens, who’s got another year to run on his contract, was drafted by Geelong with Pick 16 in the 2019 draft, but a broken leg hampered his start to his career and he only played seven games this season.
Dual All-Australian Leigh Montagna urged rival clubs to pursue the 21-year old bid-bodied midfielder.
“He’s a bit of a risk but there’s a diamond in the rough. I think now he’s a long way down the pecking at the Cats and is gettable,” the Saints legend said on Fox Footy’s Trading Day.
“Any team that needs a big midfielder should look at this man. He showed some good signs this year playing senior footy.
“Some clubs like Essendon, Adelaide and maybe St Kilda, that need some young inside mids that want so speck on a player with some real upside and great attributes.
“Keep an eye on his name in the later part of this trade period.”
