The Western Bulldogs have swiftly turned their attention to a contracted rival defender after missing out on a rival free agent.<\/p>\n
Another club has joined the race for an uncontracted Sun, who\u2019s set to receive big offers to leave.<\/p>\n
Plus Jack Silvagni\u2019s Saints declaration hasn\u2019t deterred the club from chasing another defender.<\/p>\n
Get the latest player movement news and updates in AFL Trade Whispers!<\/p>\n
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Watch every match of the 2025 Toyota AFL Finals Series before the Grand Final, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n DOGS LAUNCH HARD INTEREST INTO STAR SAINT<\/p>\n The Western Bulldogs have reportedly tabled a mouth-watering deal to lure contracted St Kilda star Callum Wilkie out of Moorabbin.<\/p>\n Nine\u2019s Chief Football Reporter Tom Morris revealed on Thursday afternoon<\/a> that the Dogs are offering the 29-year-old key defender a four-year contract that would see him earn roughly $1.1 million a year on average across the deal.<\/p>\n Their interest comes after being somewhat snubbed by soon-to-be-Saint Jack Silvagni, who was being hotly pursued by the Bulldogs and Collingwood after informing Carlton of his desire to leave Ikon Park as an unrestricted free agent.<\/p>\n Wilkie is contracted with the Saints until the end of 2027, and has previously squashed claims he was \u201cdisillusioned\u201d at St Kilda.<\/p>\n However, as his club continues to splash cash on rival wantaways, Wilkie could be forgiven for thinking twice on a potential exit.<\/p>\n The Bulldogs\u2019 persistent desire to attain a ready-made key defender is unsurprising, with veteran Liam Jones mostly overlooked throughout the season as a third tall down back.<\/p>\n Morris\u2019 revelation came after AFL Media reported on the Western Bulldogs\u2019 desire to recruit Wilkie this off-season.<\/p>\n Bevo ‘as flat as a s***-carter’s!’ | 12:49<\/p>\n FOURTH CLUB JOINS RACE FOR IN-DEMAND SUN<\/p>\n Interest in Connor Budarick is ramping up significantly, according to AFL Media reporter Riley Beveridge<\/a>, who believes Brisbane has entered the race for the uncontracted Suns player.<\/p>\n Budarick is in his sixth season on Gold Coast\u2019s list and, to date, has played 17 of a possible 23 games in a new role forward of centre.<\/p>\n But the 24-year-old has yet to accept a two-year contract offer from Gold Coast amid interest from a host of rival clubs.<\/p>\n Speaking on Gettable this week, Beveridge said the race for Budarick was \u201creally heating up around the competition\u201d, with the Suns\u2019 cross-town rivals also a potential landing spot.<\/p>\n Allen informs Eagles of 2026 exit | 00:28<\/p>\n \u201cBrisbane is among the clubs now chasing Connor Budarick,\u201d Beveridge told AFL Media. \u201cWe know they\u2019re in a race to keep Brandon Starcevich \u2014 I wonder if it\u2019s a little bit of a contingency plan in case Starcevich leaves, looking for another lockdown small defender.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Western Bulldogs also have had interest right the way through the season. North Melbourne and Essendon had some interest last year.<\/p>\n \u201cI think deals for Connor Budarick to leave Gold Coast now could reach three, four, even five years \u2026 I think that\u2019s the extent of the interest in Connor Budarick now.\u201d<\/p>\n As well as trying to retain Starcevich and Cal Ah Chee, the Lions are also set to land free agents Oscar Allen and Sam Draper, while they\u2019ve also been linked to Jordan Ridley.<\/p>\n Brisbane will also be keen to re-sign Zac Bailey, with reports suggesting Essendon was preparing to launch a big offer for the All-Australian star.<\/p>\n SAINTS\u2019 GIANT INTEREST \u2018DID NOT WAVER\u2019 AMID SILVAGNI COUP<\/p>\n St Kilda remains keen to acquire Giants defender Leek Aleer, according to <\/a>The Age<\/a>, despite winning the race for another backman in free agent Jack Silvagni.<\/p>\n