Carlton has made an “approach” for one of this year’s in-demand free agents.
Plus, Collingwood is reportedly shifting its focus with regard to Ben King. And a coach’s telling reveal over the Zak Butters sweepstakes. Read on in Trade Whispers.
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BLUES’ BIG FREE AGENT PLAY REVEALED
The Blues have emerged as a player for unrestricted free agent Joel Amartey, as he and the Swans remain “very far apart” on a new deal.
As revealed On the Couch by Midweek Tackle’s Jon Ralph, the Blues have registered significant interest in the key forward, who’s played every game this year for 21 goals.
“The greatest challenge for Carlton is to exit Michael Voss with all the respect that he deserves, but also finding a coach before the finals campaign starts,” Ralph began on Fox Footy.
“That would give Carlton all the time it needs for massive list calls like Patrick Cripps, Harry McKay and also chase the likes of Joel Amartey, who, I can tell you tonight, they are very keen on.
“The Blues have made that approach. Right now, he and (Sydney) are very far apart in regards to contract length and money – and it might be that it’s a bridge too far.
“Why would you come to Carlton? But if you’ve got a new coach in place by September 1, you can make that pitch and show your vision.”
Amartey, who’ll be 27 years of age next season, was a Sandringham Dragons product before being drafted to Sydney in the 2017 rookie draft.
Mitch McGovern currently leads Carlton’s goalkicking with 19.6 through nine games. Harry McKay sits third with 11 majors, behind Brodie Kemp’s 14.
PIES MAKE CALL ON KING CHASE
The Magpies are moving on from in-demand Gold Coast free agent Ben King.
That’s according to Seven’s Mitch Cleary, who reports on Monday night the belief in clubland is that King will put pen to paper on a two-year Suns extension – taking the Victorian to unrestricted free agency in 2028.
Collingwood had been one of several clubs hoping the 25-year-old would seek a fresh start in his home state, with Craig McRae’s side this year one of the competition’s most offensively-challenged – sitting
“The Pies have been among the clubs closely linked with the Coleman Medal leader, but tonight are moving on, and putting their energy into other targets,” Cleary said.
“Like several other Victorian clubs, they sense King is on the verge of signing a new two-year deal with the Suns.
“Collingwood are chasing a key forward – Jed Walter remains unsigned, so too Hawthorn’s Mitch Lewis, who’s yet to commence contract talks.”
Walter remains on the outer at Gold Coast, with coach Damien Hardwick continuing with King, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Ethan Read as his optimal tall combination in the forward half.
As for Lewis at the Hawks, Cleary flagged in late April that Collingwood could shift its interest to Lewis if it wound up that King recommitted at Carrara.
KING’S REVEAL OVER ‘PLAYED-OUT’ BUTTERS RACE
Melbourne coach Steven King says Zak Butters’ free agency call “played out a year or so in advance already”.
Speaking on SEN on Monday, King seemed resigned to the reality that his club wasn’t genuinely in the running for the Victorian’s services.
It comes as the Western Bulldogs and Geelong shape as the overwhelming frontrunners when Butters makes up his mind later in the year.
“We’d be like every club that’d love him, but from what you hear, I think it’s down to a couple, and we might not be part of that discussion,” King admitted on Monday morning.
“We’re certainly doing work behind the scenes to let him know that we’re an option.
“But that’s probably been played out for a year or so in advance already.”
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