Blues, Saints target key Giants defender

[Playon]

I'd be happier if we were targeting midfielders, however....

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-05-20/b ... -defender-

CARLTON and St Kilda are understood to be among a raft of Victorian clubs eyeing off Greater Western Sydney defender Caleb Marchbank, who is coming out of contract at season's end.

However AFL.com.au understands the 19-year-old Marchbank is a required player at the Giants who is very much in the emerging club's plans, despite injury restricting him to senior football in just the opening two games of the AFL season.

Whether Marchbank is tempted to look at other options at season's end remains to be seen as he is understood to have settled well in Sydney this season and is not focusing on anything at this stage other than rehabilitating his ankle in an effort to reclaim a spot in the Giants' strong senior team.

However, opposition clubs are still closely monitoring the No.6 selection in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft.

He was a good performer across half-back in five AFL games in his first season and looked ready to cement a spot before he rolled his ankle in round two against Geelong.

He returned via the NEAFL last week but unfortunately hurt his ankle again and is facing another stint on the sidelines.

The Giants will take no risks with the highly rated Marchbank and he is expected to miss the next 5-7 weeks.

Marchbank has played seven games at the Giants after making his debut in round 12 last season against North Melbourne.

Carlton was impressed with him during his TAC Cup career with the Murray Bushrangers and the Blues have had good results so far this season with ex-Giants Lachie Plowman, Liam Sumner, Jed Lamb and Andrew Phillips, who were recruited at the end of last season.

Although the Giants' list is full of talent, full-back Joel Patfull turns 32 at the end of the season and Heath Shaw turns 31 later this year, so they would be keen to retain the talented key defender.

They have several players coming out of contract who are performing well in the NEAFL, such as Adam Tomlinson – a player Carlton tried to recruit last season – who picked up 44 touches last week against Gold Coast, and James Stewart who kicked five goals.

Midfielder Jack Steele is also unsigned but is performing well in the AFL team.

Forward Cam McCarthy is back in Western Australia and, although contracted until the end of 2017, is expected to join Fremantle at the end of the year with West Coast also reportedly considering making a play for him.

[borderbarry]

Lets hope that the Saints have a serious crack at some of the GWS Youngsters. Ahern who is yet to play a game along with Pickett, and Jack Steele, I would like any of them in Saints colours next season.

[Bunk_Moreland]

If it costs our first rounder, no thanks

[Wombat15]

perfect replacement for dempster. both his injury history and the cost to get him is a worry though.

[magnifisaint]

I think the Blues need to look in their own back yard rather than pick all the low hanging fruit from GWS. It ain't called Greater Western Carlton.

[footynut]

If we give up our 1st round pick again I'll be a little concerned. However for the price I'd be asking for a selection of players such as Marchbank or Tomlinson + Jack Steele and Pickett. I know this seems a lot for one pick, but we need to play tough unlike the Bombers debacle.

[SuperDuper]

id like Tomlinson ..

[BigMart]

Carlton would have the inside running

Performing better

Silvagni, 4 mates from GWS

Last year SOS got 4 players for a SRP

[The_President]

Carlton would have the inside running

Performing better

Silvagni, 4 mates from GWS

Last year SOS got 4 players for a SRP

I'd hardly say they are performing better.

They've beaten Freo, Essendon, Collingwood & Port.

The Essendon game was probably the worst game I've ever watched.

They have more wins so far but they have some tough matches coming up..
Kangas
Cats
Lions
Saints
GWS
Pies
Crows
Eagles
Swans
Hawks

We verse
Essendon
Freo
Crows
Blues
Cats
Suns
Essendon
Melbourne

[Playon]

Well one or two things, First gws have to cut their list by 2, the other is they have to manage their salary cap cuts along with large contracts added to their current players. Some trades may go for cheaper than normal, depending on how much the player is required and how much room they have left to move.

We just have to hope its our trade (if we go down that path)

[Con Gorozidis]

id like Tomlinson ..

I have it in good authority that Tomlinson was set to go to Carlton last year and the deal was pulled at the last minute. He has a good r/ship with SOS apparently.
Apparently he is looking for a trade again this year to any of the Melbourne sides. He is in and out the side at GWS. Good solid player. Not a star.

[Hemi Baxter]

Unlike others I was happy with trading down our pick last year. Again this year there are many academy players we cant't get in the top 20. I'd be v happy to get Marchbank and slip a place or 5. Carlton will not be trading pick 3,4 or 5 for him.

[saintsRrising]

Carlton would have the inside running

Performing better

Silvagni, 4 mates from GWS

Last year SOS got 4 players for a SRP

I'd hardly say they are performing better.

They've beaten Freo, Essendon, Collingwood & Port.

The Essendon game was probably the worst game I've ever watched.

They have more wins so far but they have some tough matches coming up..
Kangas
Cats
Lions
Saints
GWS
Pies
Crows
Eagles
Swans
Hawks

We verse
Essendon
Freo
Crows
Blues
Cats
Suns
Essendon
Melbourne

Agree lets compare the Saints v Blues ater Round 16. I am fully expecting that we will be in the superior postion by then.

[Devilhead]

Tomlinson with 52 possessions and Steele with 43 in the GWS 2s today

Tomlinson has collected 95 possies in the last 2 weeks

Yes I know it is only 2nds but decent effort anyway - be interesting if GWS now try him thru the middle as he has mostly played out of the back half when playing seniors