AFL Media’s Callum Twomey says clubs such as St Kilda and Hawthorn could look to capitalise on a trade “impasse” that currently exists between Richmond and GWS over Jacob Hopper.
The Giants are currently in the process of clearing some salary cap room during the ongoing trade period, with Tim Taranto already landing at the Tigers and Tanner Bruhn expected to go to Geelong.
But it’s the negotiations for contracted on-baller Jacob Hopper which are heating up, with Twomey saying that other clubs could look at other GWS players if a deal for Hopper can’t be reached.
He says the likes of Lachie Whitfield and Nick Hayes could be on the trade table if a trade to send Hopper to Punt Road can’t be agreed.
“Through this process, Jacob Hopper has been pretty up front saying that he’s keen to get to Richmond, but understanding that he’s under contract and the deal has to be right," he said on AFL Trade Radio's Trade Exchange.
“Would St Kilda put their hand up and use their salary cap space… would they make a play for Lachie Whitfield?’
“Hawthorn clearly has salary cap space, they’ve been in the running for Jack Bowes and are interested in him but they also have the salary cap space to do that.
“I wouldn’t say this is a hold up with the Hopper deal, but this impasse could create an opportunity for another club to go and target a different player and I think tose players would be (Lachie) Whitfield and Nick (Hayes).
“I’m not saying (Whitfield and Hayes) are looking for trades, but I think the conversation will be had.”
The trade period will conclude on October 12 at 7:30pm AEDT.