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AFL news 2022: Essendon Bombers torn to shreds after capitulation vs Port Adelaide

AFL news 2022: Essendon Bombers torn to shreds after capitulation vs Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide ended a turbulent week with a statement win against Essendon at Marvel Stadium by 84 points.

The Power kicked nine goals in a row, including seven in a second-quarter onslaught, to put an at times insipid Essendon to the sword and condemn the Bombers to their biggest loss of the season.

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It was an emphatic response from Port, whose embattled coach Ken Hinkley was given assurance during the week from club president David Koch that he would remain as coach in 2023, after losing its past four games.

Essendon recorded several unwanted milestones including coach Ben Rutten’s biggest-ever defeat — his most points conceded as Bombers coach and Essendon’s second-biggest loss against the Power.

Rutten slammed his side’s “embarrassing effort” after fans booed players from the ground.

On the Fox Footy coverage, a spectator was overheard screaming: “This is f***ing embarrassing.”

Former Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes told SEN: “Essendon is just been a nice team. At not one point today has someone thrown their weight around. They’re too nice, and that’s been on full display this afternoon. Not one Port Adelaide player will be sore after this game.”

After announcing a record number of members during the week, Rutten apologized to Essendon fans.

“We’re bitterly disappointed,” he said.

“It was the sort of game that our members and supporters who came to the game or were watching on TV… it’s not the sort of thing they should have to watch.

“It was an embarrassing effort from our guys. It’s not something we want to stand for and not something our members and supporters should have to watch at any stage.”

Rutten said he couldn’t put his finger on where it fell apart for the Bombers, who had the better of territory and seven shots to five in the first quarter.

But from there it was all the Power, who slammed on 18 goals to six.

The Essendon coach said while the result wasn’t acceptable, it didn’t shake his belief in where his side is going.

“At the back end of the first quarter we got ourselves back into the game,” Rutten said.

“But from the second quarter it was really poor.

“It doesn’t shake my belief in where we’re going. It’s not a great result in terms of tonight’s performance.

“It’s about us being strong and clear on where we’re going and what we’re trying to build because it’s never going to be a clean progression in becoming a great team.

“Performances like that is not stuff we can accept or tolerate, and we won’t.”

Rutten stopped short of saying whether he would give his players a chance to bounce back next week against Richmond or if there would be wholesale changes, but said everyone connected to the side felt the loss.

“It hurts me, it hurts the players and everyone who is putting in to get us to where we want to get to,” he said.

“I’ll have to have a look at that (making wholesale changes).

“The good thing is there is one week to go for us and an opportunity for us to finish the year playing a brand of footy the way we want to.”

Michael Hurley took another step towards an AFL return by getting through a VFL game on Sunday, and Rutten hinted the veteran swingman could play his first game in more than two years.

“That’ll be a discussion point for us, he got through the game at VFL level, that’s certainly something we’ll be looking at,” Rutten said.

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AFL scores, updates 2022, Port Adelaide Power def Essendon Bombers, Round 22: Scores, result, stats, blog

AFL scores, updates 2022, Port Adelaide Power def Essendon Bombers, Round 22: Scores, result, stats, blog

Essendon has been demolished by Port Adelaide – 23.8 (146) to 9.8 (62) – in a dismal showing sure to ramp up the pressure on the Bombers heading into the off-season.

Barring a third-quarter fightback, Port Adelaide was barely troubled by the Bombers, kicking its highest score of the year.

It marks a welcome pressure release for Port Adelaide and sets the stage for a Showdown with Adelaide to close out its season.

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QUARTER-BY-QUARTER RECAP

There were no late changes for either side. Ben Hobbs (Essendon) and Jackson Mead (Port Adelaide) were the medical substitutes.

Port Adelaide got off to the perfect start, with Travis Boak finishing off a crisp bit of play in the first 15 seconds of the match.

Essendon responded via Nic Martin, who streamed into the forward 50 and finished cleanly.

Todd Marshall and Mitch Georgiades combined for the next two majors, then a brilliant mark from Charlie Dixon was followed by an assured set shot, giving the Power some breathing room on the scoreboard.’

Mid-season draftee Massimo D’Ambrosio helped bring his side back into the mix, kicking his first AFL goal and then his second just minutes later.

Essendon gave away a costly free kick during a scuffle with Jeremy Finlayson, which resulted in Sam Powell-Pepper kicking a goal just before the quarter-time siren.

Port Adelaide led by eight points at the first change.

Powell-Pepper’s late goal was only the beginning of the Power’s surge, with Ken Hinkley’s side running rampant over Essendon as the second term began to unfold.

Essendon barely fired a shot as Port Adelaide kicked four goals in seven minutes, with some passaged dubbed “a training drill” by Fox Footy commentator Dwayne Russell.

The Power continued to pile on the goals, with Karl Amon making it a 52-point margin and eight unanswered goals.

“It seems like they’ve given up in a sense Essendon,” Jordan Lewis said on Fox Footy, pointing to the Bombers’ lack of communication and effort.

By half-time, the Bombers trailed by 51 points.

Todd Marshall kicked the first goal of the second half, but Essendon was then let off by a couple of misses from Port Adelaide in front of goal.

An Archie Perkins set shot finally broke Essendon’s goal drought, but Zak Butters restored a 60-point lead for his side with a goal shortly after.

Peter Wright and Nick Hind got back-to-back goals for the Bombers as they began to show a bit more fight through the middle of the ground, but Port Adelaide still managed to get looks at goal.

By three-quarter time, Essendon had won the quarter, reducing a 51-point margin to 49.

Unfortunately for Essendon fans, the final quarter was far from impressive, with Port Adelaide rapidly extending its lead.

Several goals for the visitors came with alarming ease as the margin continued to grow as much of the Bombers crowd began to head home.

THE 3-2-1

3) PRESSURE SOARS FOR BOMBERS AFTER BRTUAL LOSS

Ben Rutten must be wondering why the message didn’t get through to his players.

The Bombers were well beaten by Greater Western Sydney last week and, heading into Sunday, the focus was clear.

“We need to respond really quickly, in particularly in and around the contest,” Rutten told Fox Footy pre-game.

“Our ability to tackle and win our share of contested ball and pressure the opposition… we’re really looking forward to seeing how we shape up against them tonight.”

With such a focus on the contest, it must’ve been quite alarming for Rutten at the main break, with his side conceding 43 points from stoppage while scoring just seven on its own end.

“Around the contest it’s terrible … they’d been the number one stoppage team in the last month of football but were smashed last week and were absolutely smashed around the football today, especially in the second quarter,” Jonathan Brown told Fox Footy at half-time.

“It started from the centre-bounce in the first quarter but then around the ground in the second quarter.

“They’ve given up seven goals from stoppage, which is an unbelievable number for a game of football let alone a half.”

The midfield responded with a better showing in the third quarter, but limped to the finish line, doing nothing to mask questions the Bombers must address ahead of a searching off-season.

“Parish is there, Shiel is back, Merrett is there, they’ve got dominance in the ruck because Draper has height over Finlayson … they need to change something,” Brown said.

“I’d be saying if I was Ben Rutten, ‘if you boys want to play in the midfield you need to earn it, so out’.”

Such was the scale of the loss, Brown in the immediate aftermath noted: “I don’t know what to say.”

2) ALIIR’S GREAT STRIDES

Aliir Aliir has been a tremendous intercept defender, but perhaps that description is selling him short.

Few players this season have been able to stop Peter Wright from having an impact on the scoreboard or up the ground, but Aliir provided an exception to the norm.

“He’s been outstanding, Aliir Aliir,” Jonathan Brown said.

“I’ve been really impressed. He’s not just a zone-off defender. Peter Wright is one of the best key-position forwards in the competition this season.

“He has not only shut him down, he’s had an impact offensively as well and been able to get across and spoil not just Peter Wright but other opposition players as well and help out his teammates.

“I think he’s had an outstanding game and I think it highlights his development as a key defender.”

1) RIVETING RUCK CONUNDRUM

Ken Hinkley has a lot of headaches after a disappointing season, but perhaps a good one is in the ruck.

Scott Lycett’s injury early in the season certainly hurt the side in the short-term, but as the season has progressed there have been promising signs in that department.

Sam Hayes came in for a lengthy period and showed promise with the number one ruck mantle, then Brynn Teakle burst onto the scene as a mid-season draftee, showing plenty before going off injured on his AFL debut.

Jeremy Finlayson, however, could be the pick of the bunch and a shrewd bit of recruiting.

Many questioned the need for Finlayson when he came across via trade at the end of last year, but he has shown some incredibly impressive potential when handed the reigns in the ruck.

On Sunday, he demolished opponent Sam Draper and made the ruck case even more curious for Port Adelaide in 2023.

“We’ve pumped up Draper a lot this season, we think he’s going to be a really good ruckman in the competition going forward,” Jonathan Brown told Fox Footy.

“He’s had four disposals, his opponent Jeremy Finlayson has had 21, four clearances and two goals.

“It shows the difference in the day, it also shows the impact a player like Finlayson can have.”

Recap Essendon v Port Adelaide in our blog below!

If you can’t see the blog, tap here.

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Brodie Grundy Melbourne Demons meeting, Port Adelaide salary cap, Tim Taranto Richmond

Brodie Grundy Melbourne Demons meeting, Port Adelaide salary cap, Tim Taranto Richmond

Brodie Grundy reportedly walked away from a recent meeting with Melbourne very impressed.

Plus why the Power are well placed for the next few years and the two-club race for a Giants star.

Get the latest player movement news and updates in AFL Trade Whispers!

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PIES STAR ‘BLOWN AWAY’ BY DEES IN MEETING

Brodie Grundy was reportedly “blown away” by Melbourne when the Collingwood star met with key Dees figures in recent weeks.

The Demons, as well as Geelong, last week emerged as “potential new suitors” for Grundy, who’s now central to ample trade speculation as the Pies consider offloading the 28-year-old’s lucrative contract — worth around $1 million per season until 2027 — to clear cap space for the likes of rival players Dan McStay, Bobby Hill and Tim Taranto.

Giants football boss Jason McCartney was seen meeting Grundy’s manager last month, while Port Adelaide has also been linked to the dual All-Australian.

While the Giants are now considered out of the race, the Dees have emerged as the front-runners for Grundy, who reportedly met with Melbourne figures, including coach Simon Goodwin, footy boss Alan Richardson and skipper Max Gawn, in recent weeks.

Lewis 50/50 on Gawn & Grundy tandem | 01:24

And SEN reporter Sam Edmund said Grundy liked what he saw from the Dees.

“He was so impressed by the vision Melbourne set, their professionalism and what they sold to him,” Edmund told SEN’s Crunch Time.

“It doesn’t mean that Melbourne are going for Brodie Grundy as a priority, I’m told they might want to go younger, they might want to go cheaper, but they have met with him and been very impressive getting in front of Brodie Grundy.”

Edmund pointed out the Dees also impressed Adam Cerra in a presentation, only for the midfielder to choose Carlton as Melbourne “didn’t have the levers to pull to get him in the door”.

While Goodwin last week didn’t confirm the club had met with Grundy, he said the Dees were keen to play two rucks next season amid Luke Jackson’s strong links to Fremantle.

Grundy, who hasn’t played an AFL game since Anzac Day due to a knee issue, had been nearing a return to the AFL before suffering a stress fracture in his ankle in a VFL match, ruling him out for the rest of the home and away season.

POWER PRIMED TO LAUNCH IN OFF-SEASON

Port Adelaide is well prepared to pounce on a star rival player at some stage over the next two years thanks to clever list decisions, reports the Herald Sun.

While the Power will miss finals this year after two straight preliminary final appearances in the previous two seasons, they’re in a good position to launch into the market either this year or next year.

the Herald Sun reported the Power have the capacity to be “bold and adventurous”, thanks to shrewd list management calls that have seen them generate more salary cap space than most other rival clubs.

Koch keeps Hinkley for 2023! | 02:49

According to the newspaper’s ‘AFL Rich 100’, which ranks the top 100 highest-paid players in the competition in 2022, only one Power player sits inside the top 50 – Brownlow Medalist Ollie Wines at $750,000 to $850,000 – with Scott Lycett (No. 75) and Charlie Dixon (No. 100) next in line.

It means they could make a big play for Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley or contracted Magpie Brodie Grundy, should either of them wish to move to South Australia.

The Power are preparing to lose wingman Karl Amon, who’s set to exercise his free agency rights and join a rival Victorian club.

TIGERS ‘RIGHT IN THE MIX’ FOR GIANTS STAR

Collingwood could have a fight on its hands to land Tim Taranto, with Richmond “coming hard” for the off-contract Giant.

The Giants, again, are set to be active during the upcoming AFL exchange period, with several players, including Taranto, Jacob Hopper, Tanner Bruhn and Bobby Hill linked to rival clubs.

Taranto has been linked to four Victorian-based clubs, but the Tigers and Magpies appear best placed to fight for his services.

Despite the strong links to Collingwood, SEN reporter Sam Edmund said the Tigers were “right in the mix” for Taranto.

Rutten optimistic Heppell will stay | 00:48

“I know he’s been linked heavily with Collingwood, but Richmond (is) coming hard for Tim Taranto as well,” Edmund told Crunch Time.

“If you’re sitting here right now, you’re saying he’s either going to be at Punt Road or Collingwood next year.”

Taranto, who is out of contract but not a free agent until 2024, would be worth a first-round draft pick, according to Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy.

The on-baller has played 113 games for the Giants since being drafted with Pick 2 in the 2016 draft. He won the club’s best and fairest in its Grand Final year of 2019.

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Essendon Bombers review, changes, tension between Adrian Dodoro and Josh Mahoney, coaching staff, Ben Rutten future, Blake Caracella, latest

Essendon Bombers review, changes, tension between Adrian Dodoro and Josh Mahoney, coaching staff, Ben Rutten future, Blake Caracella, latest

Veteran journalist Caroline Wilson reports off-field changes loom at Essendon following the completion of the club’s review amid tensions emerging between list boss Adrian Dodoro and head of football Josh Mahoney.

The Bombers recently completed an in-depth review of their football department — the club’s second in three years — in a bid to address the 2021 finalists’ drop off this season — currently sitting 14th on the ladder with a 7-13 record.

Wilson reports Ben Rutten’s position is safe despite pressure on the senior coach earlier this year in just his second campaign at the helm, however she states there’ll be other moves made to the footy department including uncertainty around Blake Caracella’s position.

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“The review’s been done … there will be changes,” Wilson told Channel 9’s Footy Classified.

“The coach is safe, Ben Rutten will remain, there will be movement beneath Ben Rutten.

“I’m told there are still real problems there, we know (CEO) Xavier Campbell is still under the pump.

“There is some genuine tension between Adrian Dodoro and Josh Mahoney, which is disappointing.

“I’m not sure where Blake Caracella is going to be next year, but he also has a rock solid two years left on a highly paid contract, but he will definitely be in a different role next year if he’s there at all.”

Wilson reports there’s tension between Dodoro and Mahoney (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS

Asked for more context around the strain between Dodoro and Mahoney, Wilson said: “Lack of support for each other.”

Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd revealed he’s heard the club will bolster its coaching staff and support Rutten with another assistant coach for next year.

Wilson added that despite Campbell earlier this season signing a two-year extension, she held concerns about his future if the Bombers don’t bounce back in 2023.

Campbell took over as Essendon chief in 2014, with the club playing finals in four of the nine campaigns since but failing to record a win in the post-season.

“I think Essendon needs to have a good next year. I know he’s just signed a new contract, and I like Xavier Campbell, I’m a supporter of Xavier Campbell. I thought the personal attacks on him earlier this year were really unfair,” she said.

“But 2-3 three ears ago he was Gillon McLachlan’s man most likely (to succeed him as AFL chief). There are now four or five CEOs ahead of him for the top job at the AFL.

“I just think his performance as CEO, particularly where the footy has been concerned, has been pretty woeful. The decisions haven’t worked out for him, a lot of footy managers who haven’t worked out.”

It comes as the Bombers this week announced an all-time membership record of 84,778 in 2022.

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Essendon Bombers, Gold Coast Suns

Essendon Bombers, Gold Coast Suns

Essendon captain Dyson Heppell doesn’t “owe” Essendon anything and the club wouldn’t begrudge him joining Gold Coast next season, according to Bombers coach Ben Rutten.

The Suns have reportedly tabled a four-year deal to the out-of-contract defender, comprising two years as a player and two as an assistant coach.

But Essendon have also offered Heppell a new contract, believed to be far inferior to the Suns’ deal, and Rutten said the Bombers weren’t putting a timeline on when they needed Heppell to make a decision on his future.

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“He is really clear on where he stands with us and we’d love to have him around next year. He knows that,” Rutten said at Tullamarine on Wednesday.

“He’s been a great servant for our footy club, he doesn’t owe us anything, so we’ll be really supportive of Dyson and all of our players whatever decisions they make.”

While Rutten said there would be “something special” about seeing Heppell finish his career as a one-club player, he tempered that by saying it wasn’t “the be all and end all” in the modern era – a view backed up by the likes of Hawthorn premiership heroes Luke Hodge, Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis all finishing their glittering careers at other clubs.

Dyson Heppell competes with Sam Durham at training. Picture: Darrian TraynorSource: Getty Images

Meanwhile, veteran defender Michael Hurley won’t play against Port Adelaide on Sunday evening despite continuing to make progress after overcoming a nasty hip infection that has sidelined him for the past two seasons.

He has now played four VFL games, and while he might be a chance to play Richmond in the final round, Rutten still couldn’t guarantee that or whether Hurley would be offered a new contract for next year.

“It’s something we are thinking through, the dynamics of that, there’s still some uncertainty around ‘Hurls’ moving forward,” Rutten said.

“We haven’t made a decision on what we’re doing there but there’s plenty of options for us.”

“All time Swans great” Emotional goodbye | 03:24

Rutten admitted the uncertainty surrounding Hurley’s playing future could affect his prospects of playing against the Tigers next week.

“There’s a fair bit to weigh up from our end, from Hurls’ end, which we’re talking through all the time,” Rutten said.

“He understands the rigors of AFL footy and the demands that you have to be up for.

“At the moment, he’s getting through a game and a half a training session – that’s not sustainable for him, or for anyone, to play a full season of footy.

“I think he’s still got the passion to play and the desire, (but) marrying that up with the physical part of it is the bit he and we are working through at the moment.”

One factor that might earn Hurley a new contract is Essendon being light on for experienced players.

Feet rebound from cap scandal | 02:10

There are only three players aged 30 or older at the Bombers this year – Hurley, Heppell and ruckman Andrew Phillips.

“They’re certainly the things that we’re considering, that’s all part of the bigger picture for us,” he said.

“It’s important that we best support our less experienced players through the early parts of their career.

“In his time out, he’s spent a lot of time with our younger key position players in particular, and he’s now loving playing with them and they’re loving playing with him.”

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Brodie Grundy Melbourne meeting, Collingwood contract, Cameron Zurhaar Essendon, Dyson Heppell Gold Coast

Brodie Grundy Melbourne meeting, Collingwood contract, Cameron Zurhaar Essendon, Dyson Heppell Gold Coast

Brodie Grundy’s link to the Dees has strengthened after three key Melbourne figures met with the Pies ruck.

Plus while Essendon remains in negotiations with its skipper, it’s flagged preliminary interest in a North forward.

Get the latest player movement news and updates in AFL Trade Whispers!

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KEY DEES TRIO MEET WITH PIES STAR

Not only is Melbourne interested in Brodie Grundy, the club has met with the star ruckman, according to Sportsday reporter Sam McClure.

the Herald Sun reported on Tuesday night that the Demons, as well as Geelong, had emerged as “potential new suitors” for Grundy, who’s now central to ample trade speculation despite being contracted to the Pies until the end of 2027 on a deal reportedly worth around $1 million per season.

Giants football boss Jason McCartney was seen meeting Grundy’s manager last month, while Port Adelaide has also been linked to the dual All-Australian.

Speaking on 3AW’s sports day on Tuesday night, McClure said the Dees had been proactive and met with Grundy “in recent days”.

“Simon Goodwin was definitely there, Alan Richardson was definitely there and Max Gawn was definitely there,” McClure told 3AW.

Jamie Elliot signs with Feet until 2025 | 00:37

“Clearly Melbourne are of the belief that Luke Jackson is going to Fremantle, so they are on the lookout early and are getting in early in the queue for a direct replacement.”

While Jackson appears increasingly likely to request a trade to Fremantle, the Demons are keen to continue with a two-ruck strategy — and pairing Gawn and Grundy would bring together two of the AFL’s premier ruckmen in the past decade.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae declared on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 last month he wanted Grundy at the club next season, but remained tight-lipped on whether he was up for trade.

Grundy, who hasn’t played an AFL game since Anzac Day due to a knee issue, had been nearing a return to the AFL before suffering a stress fracture in his ankle in a VFL match, ruling him out for the rest of the home and away season.

BOMBERS EYE OFF-CONTRACT ROO

Gun Kangaroos goalkicker Cameron Zurhaar has received “preliminary” interest from Essendon, SEN reports.

Zurhaar, who’s been one of the Kangaroos’ most important forward 50 players over the past four seasons, in May put off contract talks, with his manager Anthony McConville telling the Herald Sun the timing was “not right to have fruitful discussions”.

That call to park negotiations, though, came before North parted ways with senior coach David Noble. And Zurhaar has been in excellent form under caretaker coach Leigh Adams, booting 13 goals from his past four games — including four from 18 disposals and seven marks against Essendon in Round 20 — to take his season tally to a career-high 32.

Bombers inflict more misery on Kangaroos | 01:11

SEN reported the Bombers had “some interest” in Zurhaar, but the Roos also had hope he would re-sign with them after a senior coach is appointed.

The report also suggested the Bombers are looking to acquire a big-bodied midfielder during the AFL exchange period.

Zurhaar, 24, has blossomed at North since being selected as a rookie in 2016.

He’s been among the top two leading goalkickers at the club for the past four straight years, including topping the table in 2020 with 18 majors from 16 games.

HEPPELL GRILLED OVER FRESH SUNS LINK

Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell has been quizzed about his playing future amid reports of a juicy Gold Coast offer.

As Heppell weighs up a one-year offer to stay at Essendon, the Suns have reportedly upped their offer to the veteran defender and are prepared to offer him a two-year deal with the potential of a coaching future at the club post-playing career. .

While no formal deal had been tabled yet, SEN reported on Tuesday the Suns were preparing a four-year offer that would likely entail two seasons as a player then two as an assistant coach.

Suns succumb to Hawks hot streak | 02:07

Speaking to TV reporters on Tuesday, Heppell said his manager and the Bombers were “working through” negotiations, adding he was hopeful “something will be sorted soon.”

Asked if he was torn on his decision, Heppell told reporters: “We’re working through that at the moment. I’m really just honing in on trying to finish off the year well with the Dons and see how we go from there.”

Asked if a longer term deal would be more appealing, Heppell said: “Who knows at the moment? Everything will get sorted ASAP. I’m just trying to lead the club as best as I possibly can.”

As an unrestricted free agent, Heppell could walk to another club without a trade being made.

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Dyson Heppell Gold Coast Suns offer, Essendon Bombers, Josh Kennedy West Coast Eagles, Melbourne Demons, Collingwood Magpies

Dyson Heppell Gold Coast Suns offer, Essendon Bombers, Josh Kennedy West Coast Eagles, Melbourne Demons, Collingwood Magpies

Bombers skipper Dyson Heppell is reportedly “tempted” by a long-term offer from a rival club.

Plus Victorian contenders have been urged to pursue retired Eagles champion Josh Kennedy.

Get the latest AFL player movement news in Trade Whispers!

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HEPPELL ‘TEMPTED’ BY SUNS OFFER

Bombers skipper Dyson Heppell is reportedly “tempted” by a potential four-year contract offer from the Gold Coast Suns, according to SEN’s Sam Edmund.

The Suns have already been linked to the 30-year old, who was made to wait until recent weeks to receive a one-year contract offer from Essendon amid rival interest.

Edmund reports the Suns’ four-year offer would likely entail two seasons as a player then another two campaigns as assistant coach, but that no formal deal has been tabled yet.

The Suns are interested in Heppell (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS

As Heppell is an unrestricted free agent, he could walk to another club without a trade being made.

The veteran has played all 20 games for the Bombers this season, averaging 22.2 disposals and 6.7 marks per contest.

Bombers coach Ben Rutten earlier this year said he hoped Heppell would remain at the club.

“Yeah, (we want him at the club next year) absolutely. We’re talking with Dyson at the moment about what that looks like so that won’t be too far off,” he said.

“We’ve been pretty clear with ‘Dys’ and have communicated with him about all that.”

VIC CONTENDERS URGED TO PURSUE RETIRED KENNEDY

Dual All-Australian Kane Cornes has urged Melbourne and Collingwood to try and lure retired Eagles champion Josh Kennedy east for next season.

Kennedy remarkably booted eight goals in his farewell game against Adelaide on Sunday — the equal second-most goals kicked by a player in their final match in VFL/AFL history — having called time on his career due to an ongoing knee issue.

However Cornes believes the Victorian rivals should make a play for the 34-year old without the expectation he needs to play every game.

Kennedy kicks EIGHT in his finale! | 01:25

“If I was a Melbourne or a Collingwood I’d be trying to get this guy out of retirement, look at what he did (against Adelaide),” he said on Channel 9’s Footy Classified.

“Sell it to him — you don’t have to train until January, we’re going to pay you a good contract for two years., you’ll play 16-17 games for the year.

“If he’s not a player that Melbourne be going after I’d be surprised.”

Kennedy has booted 723 goals from 293 AFL games.

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