The Western Bulldogs and Fremantle look no closer to securing deal that would see ruckman Rory Lobb land at Whitten Oval in the next week.
Lobb has requested a move to Victoria for 2023, having even bought property in Melbourne with the presumption a move to the east coast would get the green light from the Dockers.
But a request was shut down by Fremantle, stating Lobb is a required player, while the likes of Griffin Logue, Darcy Tucker and Blake Acres have all managed moves to Victoria.
While Fremantle have been firm in their stance, the Dockers are still in discussions with the Bulldogs over a trade for Lobb, with a draft pick likely landing with the Cockburn club.
According toย 7 News'ย Ryan Daniels, the Dogs have offered Pick 30 for the former Giant, with Fremantle knocking back the second-round selection.
It is understood that Fremantle are wanting a pick in the range of 15-22, likely forcing the Bulldogs to deal elsewhere before coming back to the table.
The Rory Lobb deal to @westernbulldogs is yet to develop.
Current offer of pick 30 from the Dogs has been rejected by @freodockers - if that remains the offer, Lobb would remain at Freo.
Dockers likely to command a pick in the 15-22 range for their contracted forward.
— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) October 6, 2022
The Dogs' current draft hand sits at 11, 30, 39, 69 and 87, with their earliest selection unlikely to be on offer.
The Bulldogs are expected to gain high-end assets in a deal with Brisbane for Josh Dunkley, with two first-round picks in demand by the Dogs.
But talks between the two clubs have reportedly hit an impasse, with Brisbane reluctant to give up multiple early selections for just Dunkley.
The Lions are likely needing to part with Pick 21 and their future first-round at the very least, with either one of those selections matching the Dockers' demands.
Brisbane also hold Pick 25, which could be part of a deal for Dunkley and then traded onto the Dockers for Lobb.
With Lobb contracted for next season, Fremantle could hold him to his deal and keep him for another season as they continue their push for a maiden premiership.
Fremantle are set to acquire Luke Jackson from Melbourne before next Wednesday night's trade deadline, with the young tall likely to take on a role similar to Lobb's.
The additional of Jackson could make the Dockers more flexibility in their negotiations with the Bulldogs for Lobb.
