AFL trades: Essendon ruck dilemma may be solved with Matthew Leuenberger and Zac Smith decide their futures
ESSENDON’s ruck dilemma may be solved this week as Matthew Leuenberger and Zac Smith make decisions on their futures.
The Bombers have re-signed Tom Bellchambers but are on the hunt for another prime big man to bolster their spine under likely new coach John Worsfold next season.
Brisbane’s Leuenberger, 27, will choose from the Swans and the Bombers, while Gold Coast Suns’ Smith, 25, is believed to be leaning towards either the Cats or the Bombers.
Leuenberger would be the priority for Essendon as he could leave the Lions for nothing under free agency rules, earning Brisbane a second-round compensation pick in return.
But Smith also has strong appeal and played the best football of his career under former Suns coach Guy McKenna, who is tipped to help partner Worsfold as part of Essendon’s new coaching setup.
An announcement on the new coach is set to be made in the next two days, with Worsfold expected to accept a minimum three-year deal to replace James Hird.
Essendon could use the second-round pick it will likely receive from Melbourne in exchange for Jake Melksham to pick up Smith from Gold Coast.
Smith played only 11 games this year but his supreme athleticism and running power makes him one of the most exciting young ruck talents in the game.
The Cats are also in the race for Smith to help support talls Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs.
But the Cats may run out of draft picks to trade as they try and squeeze in deals for Adelaide superstar Patrick Dangerfield and Carlton’s Lachie Henderson.
The Blues want a first-round draft pick for Henderson but the Cats may have to use this year’s top choice as part of a trade package for Dangerfield.