COLLINGWOOD has secured the services of Patrick Lipinski after trading pick No.43 to the Western Bulldogs, while GWS are set to make a shock AFL play for Hawthorn star Chad Wingard.
The Western Bulldogs had been keen to retain Lipinski, offering the 23-year-old a three-year contract extension earlier this season.
But Lipinski, who played just 11 times in 2021, including two as an unused medical sub, was keen to get to the Magpies in order to secure more game time.
“I have a lot of friends and people at the Bulldogs I will always be grateful to. I got my chance there,” Lipinski said.
“To evolve and build on the foundations of my game, though, I know moving to Collingwood is the right thing. It’s the right fit.
“There is something of a new beginning taking place at the Pies, with a relatively young list and new coaching staff.
“I’m keen to share in that.”
Meanwhile, GWS are developing up a plan to secure both Fremantle big man Rory Lobb and Hawks forward Wingard during the trade period.
The Giants have been locked in discussions with the Dockers since early last week about Lobb, who still has two more years to run on his Fremantle contract.
Those talks are ongoing.
New Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell is reportedly open to offers on a range of his ageing stars, and the Giants are showing interest in Wingard.
GWS small forward Bobby Hill is keen on a move to Essendon and Wingard looms as an ideal replacement at the Giants.
Wingard is contracted for two more years at Hawthorn, and it’s believed the Hawks would be willing to pay a portion of his salary if the Giants are able to offer them a premium draft deal.
Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara and Jack Gunston are other Hawthorn stars who are reportedly available if the right deal can be made.
Fremantle is still attempting to negotiate a deal that would land them contracted Geelong wingman Jordan Clark.
(C) AAP 2021
