Dogs not bullish on wantaway Giant Jaksch
Bulldogs' search for key forward option takes different direction
THE WESTERN Bulldogs have ruled out luring Greater Western Sydney forward Kristian Jaksch.
The 19-year-old, who was selected with pick No. 12 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft from the Oakleigh Chargers, has requested a trade back to Victoria.
But Bulldogs recruiting manager Simon Dalrymple said the club has not spoken to Jaksch.
The long-kicking key forward has expressed a preference for Carlton but he will also entertain a move to St Kilda, his manager Matt Bain said on Monday.
"We certainly know Kristian well. We did a lot of work on him in his [under-18s] year and he's got connections through some of our players (Nathan Hrovat and Jack Macrae) who went to school with him," Dalrymple told NAB AFL Trade Radio on Monday.
"Where he probably sits in terms of our picks, we don't think it's a realistic option.
"There hasn't been any contact made at all."
Dalrymple said the club could be on the lookout for a mature-aged defender in this year's draft.
"Taking into account that key defenders do take time, so it might be a more mature (player) to give our younger defenders a chance to mature," he said.
"But obviously the key forward is a priority, but we won't be picking for needs early in the draft.
"It will be very much best player available."