Western Bulldogs have joined a number of Victorian clubs in the race to acquire the out-of-contract giant.

Could the Lions try to acquire a small forward from their arch-rivals?

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DOGS JOIN THE BATTLE FOR THE VERSATILE GIANT

According to Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary, the race to secure the position of versatile giant James Peatling is heating up, with Western Bulldogs the next club keen to get in on the fight.

“Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming have a lot of interest, especially here in South Australia, but there’s one man who few footy fans would have heard of a few weeks ago – James Peatling,” Cleary began.

Peatling has played the most matches of his career in 2024, with 17 games, but the Giant, whose contract is coming to an end, has been in very good form over the past six weeks.

At the end of the season he averaged 18.3 disposals, 7.5 tackles and 5.5 clearances per game.

“He’s had a really strong last six weeks of the season, he’s got an out-of-contract deal to stay at the Giants and a number of clubs in Victoria are lining up for him. I understand the Dogs are the latest club to show a real interest in James Peatling… he’s another name to keep an eye on as the Trade Period progresses,” Cleary said.

The Giants recently re-signed star small forward Brent Daniels and developing young player Ryan Angwin.

ARCHIVE COMPETITORS IN THE RACE FOR LIVEWIRE

Brisbane could be interested in Gold Coast small forward Malcolm Rosas Jr, who has been told he may consider his options with competing clubs in the off-season.

“I wouldn’t rule them out completely for Malcolm Rosas Jr. He has a year left on his Suns contract, but the Suns have told him he can explore his options with a year left,” AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge told Gettable.

Rosas Jr. has played in seven games under Damien Hardwick this season, scoring a total of 12 goals, but has been suspended twice.

“I think Brisbane are a club to watch in terms of the Malcolm Rosas Jr. race,” Beveridge said.

The Lions have signed two former Gold Coast players in recent seasons, including midfielder Jarryd Lyons and forward Callum Ah Chee.

The Suns have been linked with Richmond player Daniel Rioli and Collingwood defender John Noble as transfer targets in the off-season, while uncertainty remains over versatile Jack Lukosius.