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Greater Western Sydney have set a first round draft pick as their asking price for contracted defender Lachie Whitfield, with Carlton and Melbourne among the clubs circling the 32-year-old.
Greater Western Sydney want a first round draft pick for contracted defender Lachie Whitfield as Carlton and Melbourne circle the 32-year-old running defender. The former No.1 pick is yet to decide whether he wants to pursue a trade.
He has become a target for clubs after the Giants opened the door on the dual best and fairest winner's potential departure. Carlton will secure Sydney forward Joel Amartey as a free agent. The Blues need to carefully protect their picks in the national draft to ensure they have enough points to match a bid for father-son selection Cody Walker. The Blues hold picks 11, 16, 23 and 24.
Giants Seek Draft Compensation For Whitfield
They would consider parting with one of their picks in the 20s to secure the dual All-Australian, who finished sixth in the Giants' best and fairest this season. The Giants are aware that Melbourne are not willing to part with either pick six or 10, which they hold in this year's draft, for Whitfield.
However, the Demons could consider sliding back from their pick six to the Giants' pick seven and part with a future first if Whitfield decides he is keen to join Melbourne. The Giants are keen to improve their position in this year's draft and see Whitfield as the potential player to yield a return. Whitfield becomes a free agent when he comes out of contract next season.
He would be unlikely to command as much free agency compensation at the end of 2027 as he would in a trade this year. That is because Tasmania's entry into the competition will push first round selections at the 2027 draft back into the '30s. The Giants are looking to improve their draft hand in 2026. They also want to secure talented academy graduate Ethan Matthews, who has shot up the draft rankings this season.
Carlton And St Kilda Target Running Defenders
GWS also want more talent in the door before the compromised draft in 2027. A former No.1 pick, Whitfield would be an asset for either the Blues or Demons, who are both looking for running power off half-back. St Kilda are also in the market for such a player. Carlton is also in the ruck market as they look to add depth following the likely departures of two ruckmen - mid-season rookie Flynn Riley and pre-season supplementary selection Hudson O'Keeffe.
Riley wants to get to Collingwood and O'Keeffe is interested in joining the Bulldogs. The Blues will demand a fair return for Riley after he knocked back a two-year offer to join the Magpies on a three-year deal. The Blues will consider making a play for Hawthorn's Ned Reeves, who is contracted until 2029, if he is eager to explore his options after missing out on playing in the club's finals campaign.
However, he is one of a number of potential ruck options Carlton are monitoring. The Giants are also in the ruck market, with Sydney's Peter Ladhams of interest despite the Swans being keen to retain him. Adelaide's Reilly O'Brien, who was starved of opportunities in 2026 because it was viewed that the new ruck rules did not suit him, is also potentially available.
Other ruckmen who found themselves down the pecking order this season include Fremantle's Sean Darcy and the Lions' Henry Smith.
theage
brisbanetimes:This story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
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