Fresh Roos target as unusual dilemma looms; Neale’s Pies move escalates — Trade Whispers

A new Roos target emerges as the club faces an unusual trade period, while Lachie Neale’s Collingwood move takes another step and Dion Prestia draws rival interest.

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NEW ROOS TARGET EMERGES AS CLUB FACES UNUSUAL PROSPECT

A fresh trade target for North Melbourne has emerged as the club braces for the possibility of entering the AFL exchange period without a senior coach in place following Alastair Clarkson’s sacking.

AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reported on Wednesday that Geelong utility Jack Bowes was a player of interest for the Kangaroos.

Bowes, who famously joined the Cats in late 2022 as part of a stunning Suns salary dump deal, remains unsigned beyond this season. As well as the Kangaroos, Essendon has also been keeping close tabs on Bowes, who’s been in and out of the Cats’ AFL side this season.

The Kangaroos are being tipped to bolster their key defensive stocks this off-season, with contracted Bomber Jordan Ridley and Crow Nick Murray in their sights. 7News Melbourne reporter Tom Morris on Wednesday night reported Ridley was “more likely” to land at Arden St, but added there was still a chance the Roos could land both backs.

Kangaroos president Sonja Hood on Wednesday said she was hopeful the club would appoint its new coach before the trade period, but suggested it wasn’t a major concern if the process took longer.

“If we do, we do, but we’ve got a really strong football department and a very aligned football department, so that doesn’t change,” Hood said.

Todd Viney, who leads that football department, added: “Our strategy around the list management and our targets has been in place for a period of time. We don’t see the appointment of the coach to have any impact on that.

“Our needs would be clear to most, and we’re a long way down the path with those players.”

‘ONE STEP FURTHER THAN THAT’: BIGGEST NEALE-PIES HINT YET

Star Lions midfielder Lachie Neale’s determination to join Collingwood has escalated, according to 7News Melbourne reporter Xander McGuire.

Neale has been heavily linked with a move to the Magpies, having toured the club’s Olympic Park facilities last month as he weighs up his free agency call and a looming exit from Brisbane.

Tom Morris reported earlier this week Neale had “made up his mind” about his footy future and would sign a three-year deal to join Collingwood, “barring a late godfather offer from Brisbane”.

But McGuire on Wednesday night said he “can go one step further than that”.

“My understanding is that Lachie Neale has made inquiries to people at Collingwood about what numbers might be available,” McGuire told The Agenda Setters.

Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom and Bobby Hill’s departures had left the No.10, 22 and 23 jumpers available. The No.27 jumper — which Neale wore for seven seasons at Fremantle — is also free after Joel Cochran was delisted.

A dual Brownlow Medallist, dual premiership Lion, six-time best and fairest winner and four-time All-Australian, Neale is one of the most decorated AFL players of the modern era.

The 33-year-old has played 317 games across 15 seasons for the Dockers and Lions.

SECOND RIVAL CIRCLES TIGERS GREAT

Triple premiership Tiger Dion Prestia is a chance to continue his playing career at a new club, according to multiple reports.

Richmond last month announced Prestia would “retire as a Richmond great” after the midfielder confirmed to teammates the club’s Round 24 clash against St Kilda would be his last at the club.

But AFL Media’s Josh Gabelich on Wednesday reported Prestia was “keen to play on for a 17th season”, despite an injury-interrupted 2026 with the Tigers.

Gabelich reported Prestia, 33, was “set to meet” with new Essendon coach Mark McVeigh about a potential Bombers role for 2027, which could include a spot on the playing list.

It comes after an array of departures from the Essendon coaching panel.

The Bombers aren’t the only club circling Prestia, with the Giants also keen to lure the on-baller to the club, possibly in a player-coach transition role.

Prestia, who won Richmond’s best and fairest in 2019, has played 254 games across 16 seasons with Gold Coast and the Tigers.

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