AFL trade news: Dockers to mull over two options in Clark negotiations

Will Fremantle and Geelong come to an agreement before Wednesday’s deadline?

EDITOR | October 9, 2021 - 11:21am

Geelong and Fremantle are continuing to work on a trade deal that will see Jordan Clark join the Dockers ahead of Wednesday's trade period deadline.

Both clubs have looked to stand firm in their negotiations for the 20-year-old, with Geelong hoping to land a high selection in exchange for their speedy utility.

Fremantle were quick to rebuff the Cats' request of Pick 8, while Geelong did not see the Dockers' next best selection of Pick 27 to be strong enough to warrant a straight swap.

Since the standoff first transpired, the Dockers have been able to bolster their hand for next month's National Draft, acquiring Pick 6 from Carlton in the Adam Cerra trade and Picks 19 and 22 from the Suns and Magpies respectively.

With four selections now in the top 22 spots on the draft board, the Dockers may be able to find a desirable conclusion with the Cats in order to land Clark's services.

According to The Herald Sun, Geelong have placed two options toward the Dockers that are seen as final offers in negotiations, with the Cats able to walk away from discussions at any point given Clark is contracted for 2022.

The Cats are understood to have requested either Pick 19 or Pick 22 and Carlton's future third-round selection - which was also part of the Cerra trade - for Clark.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 21: Jordan Clark of the Cats in action during the 2019 AFL round 18 match between the Geelong Cats and the Hawthorn Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Dockers could look to part with the earlier selection given their weakened hand for the 2022 Draft, while still being able to hold three high selections for this year.

Losing a top 20 selection would see the Dockers prone to matched bids by rival clubs should they look to haul in an NGA Academy product however.

Clark would offer exciting run and carry for Fremantle should he pull on a purple jumper next season, with Dockers coach Justin Longmuir stating earlier this year that the club is keen to acquire speed this off-season.

“It’s been an issue of ours since we lost Langdon and Hill just to fill those wing roles," Longmuir told Sportsday in August.

Clark has played 32 games for the Cats sine making his debut in 2019.