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Out-of-contract utility Jack Bowes has drawn interest from Adelaide, Essendon, and North Melbourne as he explores options after a limited season at Geelong. Meanwhile, the Giants have set a high price for Lachie Whitfield, demanding a first-round draft pick, with Carlton and Melbourne positioned as the primary suitors for the half-back flanker.
Meanwhile, the Giants’ price to pry out Lachie Whitfield has become clear as two clubs sit at the front of the queue. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU?
Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. Jack Bowes has been linked with a new suitor as the race for his signature heats up. Out of contract, the overlooked utility has been surveying overtures from Essendon and North Melbourne to remain in Victoria.
The 28-year-old appeared at senior level just nine times for the Cats this year after playing 21 games in 2025. And according to the Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph on Fox Footy’s On the Couch, Adelaide has joined the Bombers and Roos in registering interest in the 152-gamer. Bowes, a Cairns product who was drafted by Gold Coast in 2016, joined Geelong via trade at the end of the 2022 season.
He played 17, 22 and 21 games respectively in his first three seasons at Kardinia Park after the Suns dealt him in a ‘salary dump’ move. But as that contract expires this year, and after struggling to retain a spot in Chris Scott’s vaunted side, the former Pick 10 is exploring his options elsewhere. Bowes averaged 17.6 disposals, 3.7 marks and 3.6 inside-50s this year, having been used increasingly in the forward half.
The Crows may view him as a composed option in attack after he kicked 7.6 across his nine Geelong games this campaign. A first-round draft pick is reportedly the price to pay to pry Lachie Whitfield out of the Giants. GWS had expressed an openness to deal the contracted half-back flanker as it looks to regenerate its list following key departures.
Whitfield, a Victorian, has met with Carlton and Melbourne in recent days, and the two clubs currently shape as the likeliest destinations. The Giants are said to be prioritising November’s draft, given next year’s will be monopolised by Tasmania. And GWS, which currently holds Picks 7 and 28, is bracing for an early bid to come on top Academy prospect Ethan Matthews.
“Right now, Whitfield is working through — as it sits — Melbourne or Carlton,” journalist Mitch Cleary said on Channel Seven. “If they can be looked after with a first-round pick — whether that be this year’s draft or next year’s draft — Lachie Whitfield will be on his way to Victoria. ” If Whitfield does ultimately leave the Giants, where he’s built a career over 14 years, it’ll mark the latest in their offseason exodus.
The club has already seen the back of Toby Greene, Jesse Hogan, Jake Stringer and Kieren Briggs, while Jake Riccardi is weighing interest from Essendon and Richmond. The 32-year-old Whitfield averaged 28.1 disposals across 21 games this season, and was most recently an All-Australian in 2024. The Blues and Demons have both flagged their interest in upgrading across half-back, with Whitfield offering dash, poise and precise ball-use as a counterattacker.
Carlton currently holds two first-round picks and two second-rounders, but is also prioritising getting Cody Walker to the club in November.
Jack Bowes Lachie Whitfield AFL Free Agency Geelong Cats GWS Giants
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