THE WESTERN Bulldogs' growing reputation may be the reason why a number of rival players are being touted as potential signings, coach Luke Beveridge says.
Beveridge is unsure why the club is constantly linked to reports speculating on the future of Bomber Michael Hurley and Magpie Travis Cloke, but is hopeful it’s a sign of his club's stature within the League.
"We seem to be linked to everyone at the moment, we’re linked to all and sundry and I don't know why," Beveridge said.
"As a throw-away (line), and I think it's a Hawthorn slogan that they are a destination club. If we are becoming that way because it's identified that we have a good environment and players enjoy being here, that's brilliant.
"(The trade talk) hasn't been instigated by anyone here.
"(It's not a distraction) for us, it's happening externally.
Beveridge has already acknowledged the club's interest in Hurley, but said he hadn't spoken to Cloke since they were both at Collingwood in 2009 and 2010.
Beveridge was an assistant coach at the Pies before moving onto Hawthorn and then taking the Dogs' senior role.
Cloke is reportedly looking for a fresh start after struggling for form and being dropped by the Magpies three times this season.
"Travis and I got on fine, but I haven't spoken to Travis since 2010," Beveridge said.
"I hope for him it works out (because) he's been a great Collingwood player, a premiership player, and his very best is extremely good.
"It would surprise me if Collingwood didn't want him to see out his contract."
Meanwhile Dale Morris won't be risked for Sunday's twilight clash with Essendon, with the veteran defender still nursing a back-related hamstring complaint.
The 33-year-old has missed two of the past three games with the injury and Beveridge said the club wouldn't be taking any risks with the All Australian stopper.
He was less confident about key defender Marcus Adams' prospects of playing again this season, with the first-year player's foot injury healing slower than expected.
The 23-year-old is battling a Lisfranc injury, the same serious injury that ended Magpie Dane Swan's season in round one.
Adams hasn't played since the round 15 win over the Sydney Swans, but is a chance to be ready for the finals along with star playmakers Tom Liberatore (ankle) and Jack Macrae (hamstring).
"With these Lisfranc injuries you've just got to be sure because they can finish careers," Beveridge said.
"We're treading carefully and we hope he's going to be able footy again before the end of the year, but it's a bit of watch this space.
"'Libba' is going to start running on the AlterG (anti-gravity treadmill) at the end of this week, so he's feeling really good.
"(Macrae) seems a little bit more advanced.
"So we're optimistic that both (Liberatore and Macrae) will be available probably around finals time, but we're pretty sure neither will play before that."
