A veteran Blue will “start looking elsewhere” for a new club in 2026 after being overlooked for senior selection again this week.

Plus, could this fringe Hawk head west as a part of Hawthorn’s plot to land Harley Reid?

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STAR BLUE ON THE MOVE?

Carlton defender Mitch McGovern will “start looking elsewhere” for a new club in 2026, after missing AFL selection again this week, according to Seven’s Mitch Cleary.

McGovern was overlooked for the AFL side despite strong form in the VFL last week, where he racked up 21 disposals and 10 marks against the Suns VFL side.

Cleary reports that it means he’ll fall short of a contract trigger that requires him to play two more games for a new contract for 2026.

The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph believes that given Jack Silvagni is assessing his options and promising defender Harry O’Farrell will miss the bulk of 2026 due to an ACL injury, so the Blues “would still want” the former Crow next year.

Having said that, failing to hit the trigger gives McGovern the “flexibility” to look at alternative options and means the Blues can, if they want to retain him, offer him a contract at a price they consider fair.

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Pies ready after heavy reflection | 02:32

COULD FRINGE HAWK HEAD WEST?

Hawthorn ruck Ned Reeves could be on the move to West Coast as a part of Hawthorn’s plot to land Harley Reid.

That’s according to Nine’s Tom Morris who said: “Ned Reeves could easily head to the Eagles as part of a possible Harley Reid trade.”

Morris believes the Hawks are at the “front of the queue” for Reid, who remains contracted at the Eagles for 2026.

Clearly, Reeves for Reid would not be a straight swap and Hawthorn would have to pay up plenty more if they’re to land the star youngster.

But for Reeves, a move to West Coast, who currently have Matthew Flynn and Bailey Williams leading their ruck line, could make sense.

Reeves played 21 games back in 2023 and was looking destined to be Hawthorn’s number one ruck for the foreseeable future, but Lloyd Meek’s rise in recent seasons has reduced Reeves to just five matches in the past two seasons.

Even young tall Max Ramsden has been preferred at times this year, given his greater flexibility as a forward.

The ruck merry-go-round is always an interesting watch at this time of year and Reeves may well and truly be taking his seat as he seeks greener pastures.