STEWART Crameri has informed Essendon he wants to be traded to the Western Bulldogs.
Having mulled over the decision for months, the half-forward is believed to have relayed the news to the Bombers on Tuesday night, following ankle surgery earlier that day.
The Bulldogs have offered the 25-year-old a lucrative four-year deal worth up to $1.8 million.
Having only offered a two-year term mid-season, the Bombers recently upped their offer to three years although by that stage it is understood Crameri was already leaning towards the Dogs.
He has a close relationship with Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney, who was his forward line coach in 2011 when Crameri broke onto the AFL scene.
Crameri met with the Bombers on Monday, in what was said to be a positive meeting. But the Dogs have long been on his radar.
His loss will hurt the Bombers. He has been the club's leading goalkicker in the past three seasons.
The Bulldogs' second-round pick (No. 22 overall) could be involved in the deal to send Crameri to Whitten Oval, despite suggestions the Bombers will not want to trade him.
As an out-of-contract player he can walk into the pre-season draft.
Crameri has played 57 games for the Bombers and kicked 96 goals. He came to the club as a rookie selection after playing with the Bendigo Bombers in the VFL.
