Fremantle are believed to be ramping up their interest in wantaway Hawthorn forward Tyler Brockman in the wake of Lachie Schultz's request to leave the Dockers for Collingwood.
Schultz surprisingly lodged a trade plea with Fremantle earlier this week as he eyes a return to his home state of Victoria, with a five-year offer on the table from the Magpies to get the sharpshooting small forward out of Western Australia.
Heading the other way, Hawks youngster Brockman is keen to return to WA after three years at Waverley, with the 20-year-old hoping to land at West Coast this off-season.
While the Eagles remain the likely landing spot for the Subiaco product, Fremantle are said to be prepared to increase their interest in the local small forward given Schultz's likely exit at Cockburn.
According toย News Corp,ย the Dockers are potentially preparing to make a play for Brockman as negotiations between the Hawks and Eagles continue.
The publication's report suggests the Hawks have been urged to accept an offer of a future third-round selection from West Coast to see Brockman's request granted.
But if both parties reach a standoff, the Dockers are ready to gauge Hawthorn's interest in a deal of their own, and the Hawks may be open to the idea of trading Brockman to Fremantle instead.
Brockman is off-contract however, meaning failed talks between the Hawks and Eagles could allow the small forward to walk to West Coast via the Pre-Season Draft.
Eagles list manager Rohan O'Brien said at Monday's trade period launch that they remain hopeful a trade deal is done but won't rule out other avenues if an agreement isn't reached.
"I think you've got to consider anything," O'Brien said.
"We'll try and work with the Hawks to get that done through the trade period, hopefully that's the way it works out.
"If not, the Pre-Season Draft is there for Tyler or anyone else."
The Eagles hold Picks 1, 22, 36, 43, 57 and 62 for this year's draft as well as their entire hand for 2024.
