THE BRISBANE Lions have emerged as a candidate for disgruntled Collingwood forward Chris Dawes.
Carlton, Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs had been considered the main clubs in the hunt for Dawes but The Age reports that the Lions have entered the play, admittedly as a long shot since Dawes has a long-term girlfriend and is studying a law degree.
But the Bulldogs and the Demons remain the most likely to win his services, with Melbourne's pick 20 and the Dogs' pick 21 both on the table in the Gillette AFL Trade Period.
Trade Tracker
Dawes put himself on the market last week after the Magpies signed West Coast forward Quinten Lynch through free agency.
The Herald Sun reports that Essendon may deal Scott Gumbleton to the Bulldogs if the Dogs fail to secure Dawes.
Gumbleton has undergone a medical test by Fremantle, which could still try to recruit him via the pre-season draft. The Demons have also shown interest in Gumbleton, but like the Dogs have set their sights on Dawes as their main priority.
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The Herald Sun reports that Bombers have had up to eight clubs inquire about contracted defender Tayte Pears but have no interest in moving him on.
Brian Lake's arrival at Hawthorn could result in out of favour defender Tom Murphy finding a new home at Gold Coast.
Murphy, who was dropped for the Grand Final, is an unrestricted free agent and could revive his career in a similar manner to Matthew Warnock, who finished fourth in the Suns' best and fairest after struggling to hold a regular position in Melbourne's defence.
Carlton ruckman Rob Warnock, brother of Matthew, could follow his lead and join an expansion team. According to The Australian, the younger Warnock could be in Greater Western Sydney's sights if as expected, Jonathan Giles moves to Adelaide.
North Melbourne's Cruize Garlett is looking for new opportunities, turning his back on a one-year deal from the Kangaroos with the hope of returning to his native Western Australia.
Lachlan Hansen could also be departing Arden St as he entertains offers from Greater Western Sydney and Fremantle.
The Adelaide Advertiser reports that the Bombers, Richmond and St Kilda are in the hunt for Ben Jacobs, who has quit Port Adelaide.
The Age also reports that Josh Caddy's signing with Geelong will allow the Cats to focus on several other trades and free agency signings.
Melbourne midfielder Jordan Gysberts is understood to no longer be in the Cats' sights, while they may also struggle to accommodate his teammate Jared Rivers due to list management pressures.
The Cats are open to trading Mitch Brown as well as bringing in North Melbourne's Hamish McIntosh.
Luke Holmesby is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter - @AFL_Luke
