With on-field results continuing to worsen and the heir to Nic Naitanui's rucking throne failing to become apparent, West Coast has reportedly recommenced their chase of Western Australian duo Tim English and Luke Jackson to help fill what may soon be a chasm at stoppages.
As first stated in March of this year, both English and Jackson were in the sights of both Western Australian clubs given each of the local lads had entered the final year of their respective deals at the Whitten Oval and Gosch's Paddock.
And while negotiations between clubs, management and players about separate extensions to remain a Dog and Demon, Jon Ralph ofย The Herald Sunย has claimed the Eagles are preparing themselves to go all out to land English.
Having first walked through the doors on Barkly Street in 2016 after being selected with the 19th pick of that year's draft, English - a South Fremantle product - has built into his role as the Bulldog's No.1 big.
But with the potential of a lure home on offer at the cessation of this season, the chance to return to his roots may be too strong for English to resist.
As stated by Ralph, the 24-year-old's partner, Rudi Ellis, is a professional netballer playing out of Perth, and with the Eagles willing to spend a sizable portion of their cap to secure a stoppage partner for Naitanui, the hook reportedly cast across the Nullabor is, well and truly, baited.
While 32-years-of-age, Naitanui is expected to ink a one-year extension to remain at Laithlain until the end of 2023, but as the former powerhouse appears in dire straits on-field at the present, the future will need to be embraced sooner rather than later.
Ralph held the view that while West Coast would be willing to part with a healthy pay packet to land English, the expansion side was likely to build a squad around the 207cm starlet that was selected via the draft.
So, the question now remains - is English willing to trade a place with a contender for a healthy bottom line in a familiar setting?
Despite the Eagles' pursuit, English is expected to agree to terms on a fresh deal with the Dogs at some stage this season, but whether this will keep him at the Kennel long-term or just until free agency in two years' time is another matter.
Should the Pup sign on the dotted line and stay on in Melbourne, Ralph contended that Jackson would, once again, enter the Eagles' eye.
As stated earlier in the year, Jackson was seen as the Dockers' prime target to create a lethal pairing with Sean Darcy - akin to that currently seen with the East Fremantle export and Melbourne skipper Max Gawn.
However, with the 20-year-old premiership player having expressed that talks of an extension with Melbourne were now on hold, both Western Australian clubs would be forced to bide their time before reeling in the laissez-faire operator.
With several current Demons reportedly copping pay cuts to create space for Jackson and in-form wingman-cum-defender Angus Brayshaw to fit within the cap, it appears likely that the former top 10 pick will stay on with the Redlegs for, at least, the near future.
