Fremantle’s Lachie Schultz has requested a commerce away from the Dockers in a shock transfer on the opening day of the AFL Trade Period.
The 25-year-old small ahead is beneath contract for subsequent season however has reportedly request a commerce to Collingwood, in what can be a lift to the Magpies’ depth after their premiership triumph.
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The Dockers mentioned in a quick assertion: “Fremantle can confirm Lachie Schultz has today enquired about the possibility of returning to Victoria for family reasons.
“Schultz is a required player who still has a year to run on his contract.”
Perth’s Channel 7 footy reporter Ryan Daniels mentioned: “Fair to say the news has blindsided @freodockers. “Would need to be a trade – Schultz is under contract for next year, and parties had been working on a 2-yr extension.
“Personal reasons behind interest in return to Victoria.”
Schultz kicked a profession excessive 33 targets this season and is very rated for his strain inside ahead 50 and skill to hit the scoreboard.
Port Adelaide 300-gamer Kane Cornes wrote: “He’s such a good player – a huge get. Freo sure know how to lose them.
“Schultz ranked 1 at Fremantle for scoreboard impact. It’s a giant loss for a team not bless with scoring options.”
Small ahead Jack Ginnivan, who was a part of Collingwood’s premiership successful group, looms as the large loser if Schultz strikes to the Magpies and he may discover even himself on the commerce desk.
“I think the fallout will reflect upon Jack Ginnivan,” journalist AFL Ralph mentioned on Fox Footy’s Trading Day.
“He’s a contracted player but with a list that has Bobby Hill, Beau McCreery, Jamie Elliott and then Schultz in front of him … A big decision ahead.
“A big name there (Schultz) that I think would fit perfectly.”
Former Hawthorn sharpshooter Ben Dixon mentioned Schultz would slot in forward of Ginnivan within the pecking order at Collingwood.
“The good teams just need to top up that little bit more to get the edge on the competition,” he mentioned.
“Put a Schultz in that forward line, it’s pretty damaging.”
North Melbourne nice David King described Schultz as a “poor man’s (Tom) Papley” however mentioned the Dockers would miss him.
“He’s got the energy, he’s a forward 50 harassment player that every club is looking for,” he mentioned.
“He’s an experienced campaigner, he hits the scoreboard and when he does, he becomes a multiple goal scorer more often that not.
“They are hard to find.”
The shock commerce request comes on the again of the news Fremantle’s Liam Henry is about to be traded to St Kilda.
Henry loved a breakout season however is anticipated to affix a protracted record of gamers to have departed the Dockers in latest seasons.
Players who’ve left Fremantle to affix rival golf equipment embrace Blake Acres, Griffin Logue, Darcy Tucker, Rory Lobb, Lloyd Meek, Adam Cerra, Jesse Hogan, Brad Hill, Ed Langdon, Lachie Neale, Lachie Weller, Hayden Crozier and Joel Hamling.
“It’s a worry for Fremantle – they’ve lost a few now over the last couple of seasons that are seriously important,” King mentioned of Fremantle’s incapacity to retain gamers.
“I don’t think thy realised how good Blake Acres was for them and then you see what he’s been able to do this year at Carlton.
“This guy (Schultz) is the same – provides a lot of spark.”
Ralph added: “(Schultz) is a really popular member of that team. Fremantle right now seem to be going backwards.
“That’s a massive concern for (coach) Justin Longmuir.”
Elsewhere on the primary day of the AFL Trade Period, veteran North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein has joined Essendon and Adelaide defender Tom Doedee has joined the Brisbane Lions on a long-term deal — with the Crows to obtain draft compensation.
Port Adelaide’s Xavier Duursma has additionally requested a commerce to Essendon, because the Bombers look to recruit Goldstein, McKay and St Kilda’s Jade Gresham.
Originally revealed as AFL membership ‘going backwards’ as Magpie emerges as huge loser of commerce request
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
