WESTERN Bulldog Jordan Roughead has defended teammate Lin Jong's tour of Collingwood, saying it's naïve to think out-of-contract players aren't talking to rival clubs.
 
Jong's tour has received mixed reaction from the footy world, with Richmond coach Damien Hardwick and Melbourne counterpart Paul Roos among those who have questioned the visit.

Even Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said he wouldn't be too impressed if he was Jong's coach and took the unusual step of calling Luke Beveridge.

Speaking on Melbourne radio station SEN on Friday, Roughead said he had no issue when Jong arrived at Whitten Oval after the news was first reported on Wednesday.
 
"It might come as a surprise, but [Jong] was embraced," Roughead said.
 
"We all understand the footy environment and that recruiting and that sort of thing takes place."

There was plenty of interest in the Bulldogs' team selection on Thursday, and whether Jong might pay the price for the 'tour', but the midfielder was picked to take on Richmond on Saturday night.
 
"We all want to play with Lin and we've got 100 per cent trust in running out with him this weekend," Roughead said.
 
"We understand that at the end of the year ... decisions need to be made, and he's going to make the decision that's best for him.
 
"I think it's a little bit naïve to think that players aren't at least having conversations with clubs, and trying to secure themselves a future during the season.
 
"If you wait until September to try and find a spot on a list, you're putting additional pressure on yourself.
 
"It's not often that you hear about players going into another club's facility, but you hear stories about guys catching up for a coffee with other clubs and that sort of thing."