Western Bulldogs utility requests trade to Carlton Blues

In today’s AFL briefing, your wrap of footy news

A Western Bulldog requests a trade to the Blues, who need to replace Jack Silvagni

Cats star Tom Stewart puts on a brave face at Geelong after being ruled out of the grand final

In case you missed it, here’s Marc McGowan’s head-to-head grand final preview.

Western Bulldogs utility Buku Khamis has told the club he wants to be traded to Carlton as he seeks more opportunities to play senior football.

The 25-year-old, who has played 41 matches since making his debut in 2021, attracted interest from the Blues, who are looking to bring in support for defensive pillar Jacob Weitering after losing free agent Jack Silvagni to St Kilda.

The Bulldogs are open to discussing a trade with Carlton, according to two competition sources with knowledge of the situation, but as a contracted player who adds depth to their list at either end of the ground, they are expected to drive a hard bargain before releasing Khamis.

Carlton have made it clear they will be active in this year’s trade period as they try to add speed and class to their line-up. They have said key forward Charlie Curnow is a required player, but the contracted forward is keen to make a fresh start at either Geelong, Gold Coast or Sydney.

Fremantle back-up ruckman Liam Reidy has already requested a trade to Carlton as he seeks more opportunities having fallen behind Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson in the Dockers’ line-up.

Khamis is a popular figure at the Bulldogs who has shown he belongs at the level in the past two seasons but has been unable to cement a place in the back line.

Tom Stewart’s brave face to inspire Cats

Geelong vice-captain Tom Stewart has put on a brave face for teammates preparing for their grand final clash against the Brisbane Lions after being ruled out automatically from the grand final when he was concussed in Friday night’s preliminary final.

Teammate Jack Bowes said Stewart’s attitude when he arrived at the club on Monday was a real team lifter as they worked through the disappointment of losing him for the biggest game of the season.

“He’s obviously a heart and soul player for us, someone whose impact on and off the field is [hard to measure]. It’s invaluable, Bowes said.

“Just to see him walking in [to the club] today with a smile on his face and making sure that his situation isn’t bringing anyone else down is something I really admire about him.

“He’s obviously big shoes to fill but from his point of view he’s someone who just wants the team to do well.”

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The concussion has sparked calls for a pre-grand final bye to be introduced so players who are ruled out for a minimum of 12 days after being diagnosed with concussion can potentially play in the decider. Bowes said from a “reactive point of view” it would be good to have the pre-grand final bye, but he had not given the issue much thought.

“I’m just happy to play in [a grand final] to be honest,” Bowes said.

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