An out-of-favour North Melbourne midfielder is being touted as the “next in that queue” to depart in favour of more senior opportunities.
Meanwhile, it could be a “nervous wait” for the Eagles when they look to re-sign their prized draftee, and a West Australian Tiger is being pursued by a pair of rivals.
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Dodoro still running Essendon’s list? | 03:14
YOUNG ROO CAUGHT IN ‘MIDFIELD LOGJAM’
North Melbourne midfielder Will Phillips could seek playing opportunities elsewhere after this season, as the 21-year-old struggles to be a consistent member of Alastair Clarkson’s best 23.
The Oakleigh Chargers product played 16 senior games last season after missing the entirety of the 2022 campaign.
Herald Sun journalist Jay Clark said on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle that Phillips has the talent to live a long AFL life — just not at the Kangas.
“The whole composition of this team, I think, is fascinating,” began Clark on Tuesday night, discussing the Roos’ make-up.
“You’ve got a midfield logjam, with (Colby) McKercher, (Harry) Sheezel, ‘LDU’ (Luke Davies-Uniacke) and (George) Wardlaw, for example.
“But you go back to Will Phillips, who was Pick 3 in 2020 … He could play 150 games of very good AFL (but) I don’t think it’s going to be at North Melbourne, to say something that’s probably really obvious.”
Clark re-surfaced the much-debated decision by North to draft Phillips instead of now-Swan Logan McDonald in 2020, going on to compare the onballer’s situation with Paddy Dow’s of yesteryear.
“They’ve got so many good midfielders, they need help at either end, Will Phillips was taken ahead of Logan McDonald, right, which is one that will be hard for North Melbourne fans to digest,” said Clark.
“I think, like Paddy Dow — who left Carlton for St Kilda at the end of last year for more opportunities — I think Will Phillips is going to be the next in that queue.”
Phillips is off contract this year but not eligible for free agency.
RACE ON FOR TIGER AS PAIR OF CLUBS ‘IN RUNNING’
Fremantle and the West Coast Eagles are reportedly preparing “lucrative” pursuits of off-contract Richmond utility Liam Baker.
The clubs flagged interest in the Tigers vice-captain last year and are said to be keen on the West Australian again in 2024.
“Well, they both were in the running last time for Liam Baker, and they’re both absolutely in the running again this time around,” reported AFL Media’s Cal Twomey on Gettable.
“So, in 2022 when Baker re-signed (at Richmond) for two more years, that was done late in the season. Now, I think it’s going to be a discussion that again is happening late in the season.
“He’s a vice-captain now, not a free agent, so it’ll come at a trade cost, but they’re both going to be throwing long and lucrative deals at him.
“It’s going to be a longer watch through this year, I think, and where Richmond is at in that discussion, as well, deeper into the season will be a fascinating aspect to this, too.”
The now-26-year-old was drafted to Punt Road via the 2017 Rookie Draft and is a dual premiership player.
Depleted Adam Simpson analyses loss | 07:17
PRODIGY ‘NOT GOING TO RUSH’ TO CEMENT EAGLES FUTURE
Last year’s No.1 draft choice Harley Reid reportedly won’t sprint to the negotiating table to pen a West Coast contract extension, according to Clark.
Reid’s rookie contract is set to expire at the end of the 2026 season.
According to Clark, it could be “a nervous wait” for the Eagles’ list management crew as it looks to secure the Victorian’s long-term services.
“It’s crucial for West Coast to re-sign this bloke, but do you know what? It’s going to be a nervous wait,” Clark told Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle on Tuesday.
“He’s going to wait, he’s not going to rush into a new deal with the Eagles. It’s a three-year deal, I think you’d be waiting to see the direction of the team, who’s coaching — does Adam Simpson stay on?
Reid to delay re-signing with Eagles? | 01:46
“I think there’s absolutely no doubt in the world that he will take his time on the extension.”
However, Clark maintained that the 18-year-old country boy would be soaking up his new lifestyle.
“He’d be loving the lifestyle in Perth, why wouldn’t he? He’s gone from Tongala to Perth, living the dream over there. Cottesloe, North Beach, it’s a beautiful part of the world.”
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