The Western Bulldogs have reportedly decided against signing either Supplemental Selection Period train-on hopefuls Dom Brew or Brayden Crossley for the 2025 season.
The star VFL duo have been training in the Dogs' program this summer, with Brew landing at the Kennel early into the pre-season in pursuit of securing his dream of playing in the AFL.
The hard-nosed midfielder is coming off a career-best year at the state league level, having taken out the J.J. Liston Trophy on his way to leading Werribee to the VFL premiership in September.
The season decider also included Crossley, who was a dominant force for Southport last year as arguably the competition's best ruckman - finishing seventh in the J.J. Liston count.
The Dogs considered Crossley as an SSP prospect late into their pre-season due to the lack of ruck depth in Luke Beveridge's squad, with the ex-Suns tall called on to participate in the Bulldogs' camp in Noosa earlier this month.
Crossley's invite to train with the Dogs was extended, with the 25-year-old venturing to Victoria to put his name forward as a potential recruit amid All-Australian ruckman Tim English's battle with an abdominal injury.
News Corp has revealed neither Crossley nor Brew has secured the sole list vacancy at Whitten Oval ahead of the SSP deadline, with the Bulldogs now likely to keep the spot open for this year's Mid-Season Draft.
The SSP will close on Friday, with the Dogs being one of several sides needing to make decisions on train-on players this week.
Essendon, Port Adelaide and West Coast confirmed the signings of SSP players on Tuesday, with the Bombers adding WAFL forward Tom Edwards, the Power calling on Cheltenham product Josh Lai and the Eagles signing ex-Gold Coast backman Sandy Brock.
Melbourne are tipped to add Brew's premiership teammate and Norm Goss Medal winner Jack Henderson to their list, despite the 24-year-old having pushed for a contract with West Coast in recent weeks.
The Demons moved injured forward Shane McAdam to the inactive list on Wednesday, giving them the list flexibility to pursue Henderson.
Carlton and West Coast each have one list spot available for 2025, with both clubs a chance to join the Dogs in keeping a spot free for the Mid-Season Draft.
