AFL trade news: Giant small forward nominates Victorian club

GWS small forward Bobby Hill has requested a trade out of the Giants to go to Victoria, with Essendon his preferred destination.

Hill's partner is pregnant and the couple is hoping to be closer to family. His cousin Brad Hill plays for St Kilda and fellow cousin, Sydney Stack, for Richmond.

Marc McGowan of the Herald Sun is reporting confirmation from Hill's manager today that the GWS goal sneak wishes to play under Ben Rutten next year.

Hill looms as the perfect double act with Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti in the Essendon forward line.

The Bombers have been very quiet this trade period, instead putting their focus on the draft but will now enter talks with GWS in a bid to get Hill to victoria.

Essendon has also been linked with former Adelaide small forward Tyson Stengle but he may be more likely to head to Geelong if he does re-enter the AFL system.

The key to unlocking any potential deal that would see Hill get to Victoria could centre around the possible return of former Giants tall forward Rory Lobb.

Lobb will come in on big money with Fremantle reportedly not keen to pay any of the deal of the returning Giant.

Hill leaving would help the Giants clear cap space to bring in Lobb, but the two deals aren't related. Hill would be the second Giant to depart via the trade period this year with Jeremy Finlayson departing for the Power already.