For the second time this week, the Western Bulldogs were on the end of another trade request - this time from premiership onballer Jack Macrae.
Macrae's request sees the veteran ball magnet prepare to depart Whitten Oval three years prior to the end of his contract, with his desired departure following the same request made by off-contract youngster Bailey Smith.
And much like Smith, Macrae could cost a keen suitor a first-round draft pick given his pedigree as a three-time All-Australian. There's no doubt his 2024 season has taken some shine off the product fans have come to know Macrae to be, but at his best he is one of the leading ball winners and distributors in the competition.
Macrae will be 31 next year and it'll be a mighty gamble for any club willing to cash in on the inside-outside midfield threat with high-end draft capital, but sides in the window - or at least looking to make the leap - will be sure to consider it.
We assess five clubs that could make a move for Jack Macrae...
3. Geelong
Could the Cats secure both wantaway Western Bulldogs stars?
All signs suggest Bailey Smith is likely to land at Geelong, with the Cats wanting to bolster a midfield group that has helped them to another preliminary final under Chris Scott.
Geelong will likely need to part with their opening pick for Smith, leaving with little draft capital outside of next year's first-round selection to please the Bulldogs.
Another issue would be how Macrae and Smith both get their desired roles in the blue and white hoops alongside the likes of Max Holmes, Tanner Bruhn, Tom Atkins, Jack Bowes and Patrick Dangerfield.
Is there an option where the Cats send a player the other way? Fringe youngster Jhye Clark and Mitch Knevitt would be enticing for the Dogs, but it'll be hard to pry them out of Geelong in exchange for a 30-year-old.
Nevertheless, you can never count out the Cats, who are sure to have some level of interest in Macrae's services.
