A livewire Carlton forward is reportedly on rival radars amid tough weekly selection calls for Michael Voss’ match committee.
Meanwhile, the Western Bulldogs’ coach has spoken on the futures of an in-demand duo.
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Clarkson accused of profane language | 01:09
BLUE ON ‘RIVALS’ RADAR’ AMID TIGHT FORWARD SQUEEZE
Off-contract Carlton forward Matt Owies is reportedly being monitored by rival clubs ahead of this off-season amid weekly tough selection calls in Michael Voss’ forward line.
Owies, who fell out of favour ahead of the Blues’ preliminary final meeting with Brisbane last year, isn’t eligible for free agency this year but could attract trade attention, reports AFL Media journalist Riley Beveridge.
The 27-year-old former collegiate basketballer has played in all 11 Carlton games thus far in 2024, but he was substituted out tactically in two of those matches as the Blues continue to try and cultivate the right attacking balance.
Owies, with 16 goals already to his name this season, is on pace to break the career-high 27 majors he slotted from 18 outings last year.
An established goal-face threat with valuable footy nous, rival clubs could attempt to lure Owies from Princes Park at the end of the year — particularly with the likes of Orazio Fantasia, Jesse Motlop, Corey Durdin and even Zac Williams occupying forward minutes.
The Pies ‘Dancefloor Four’ | 03:11
BEVO ‘WOULDN’T EXPECT’ BAILEY SMITH DOGS RETURN
Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge has answered direct questions about the playing futures of midfielder Bailey Smith and forward-ruck Rory Lobb.
Smith, 23, was sidelined for the entirety of this season after rupturing his ACL in the pre-season and could pursue a trade away from the Kennel this year upon the expiration of his contract. He isn’t eligible for free agency.
“I hope he is (still at the Bulldogs next year),” Beveridge told Seven’s Talking Footy on Wednesday evening.
“I wouldn’t say ‘expect’ (him to be). He’s got a lot to work through. We haven’t got our head in the sand, we know there (are) a number of clubs who Bailey appeals to.
“I know he feels like he’s a significant part of the football club. It’s just, in the market, in the short space of time the playing group have to work within, if there’s a club, or two, or three that come (to) him with an astronomical deal, he may not be able to knock it back.
“There (are) obviously stories about players sacrificing some of that (financial reward) to stay in an environment, and we’ll work with him on his thought processes around that.”
With regards to Lobb — whose reported trade desire made headlines this week — Beveridge reminded of the 31-year-old’s contractual obligations to the Dogs.
“The difficult thing for Rory — and even if he wants to move on at the end of the year because he feels like there’s a lack of opportunity — is that he’s contracted for another two years, and he’s highly valued at our football club,” Beveridge said.
“Week-to-week, if he’s not in the team, he’s always an emergency, and we always say we’re pretty fortunate to have someone like Rory Lobb (as) the 24th player this week.
“He knows it’s a form thing, (and) yes, there’s only so many key forwards (and) rucks that we can play each week.
“I know he really enjoys the football club, and he loves his time with us, but ultimately, he’s got a lot to give for an early 30s key forward-ruck.
“We feel like he’s got a number of years left in him, and we don’t think that we’ll be giving him up anytime soon.”
Lobb has played 163 AFL games across GWS, Fremantle and Bulldogs tenures.