Collingwood move is no guarantee for Fremantle moving forward: AFL trade news
“There’s a really strong possibility that a deal isn’t able to be struck.”
Following the Dockers’ surprise request to land at Collingwood this off-season, Fremantle are prepared to keep small forward Lachie Schultz to his contract, but the Western Australian club is open to hearing what the Magpies would offer for his services.
Schultz, who received a one-year contract extension only four months ago, requested to return to his home state of Victoria on Monday, a surprising event on the first day of the 2023 trading season.
The Williamstown product is looking to return to his home state for family reasons, with Fremantle likely demanding a large sum from Collingwood in order to reach an agreement.
Schultz has been the Dockers’ leading goalkicker for the previous three seasons, tallying 85 goals from 76 games.
The 25-year-old is regarded as a “much loved” and “valued” player at Cockburn, with Fremantle football coach Peter Bell telling 6PR that Schultz is under contract and might stay in purple until 2024 unless the Magpies make a suitable offer.
“We are aware of certain circumstances, as are all of our players in the background.” “I guess some circumstances have arisen where Lachie is interested in returning home to Victoria,” Bell explained.
“Through those discussions, we reminded Lachie that, while we understand the circumstances, the fact that he is a contracted player, a much-loved player, and a valued player may mean that he plays for us next year and sees out his contract at the very least.”
“We understand how player movement works nowadays, which is that players can request a trade to a specific club.”
“So, we’ll listen to what Collingwood have to say and then we’ll make a decision based on those conversations around what’s best for Fremantle and within that there’s a really strong possibility that a deal isn’t able to be struck and that Lachie will play for us in 2024.”
According to Cal Twomey of AFL.com.au, the Magpies have submitted a five-year contract to Schultz, with the last year of the contract subject to a trigger condition.
Collingwood currently holds selections 18, 37, and 78 in the upcoming draft, but will almost certainly add to their holdings with the expected loss of midfielder Taylor Adams to Sydney during this trade period.
