Paddy Dow (left) and Zac Fisher (right) are both expected to change clubs during the trade period.Credit:Getty Images
The Saints had their eye on Dow from midway through the season and despite some late interest from Sydney he told the Blues of his decision ahead of the club’s best and fairest count on Sunday night as he seeks more opportunity.
A source with knowledge of Dow’s decision,who was not authorised to speak publicly,confirmed he wanted to join the Saints,who are likely to lose Jade Gresham to Essendon as a restricted free agent.
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Meanwhile,North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein will officially become a Bomber on Monday in one of the first orders of business to begin trade period after 315 games with the Kangaroos. In the past 13 years the durable 35-year-old has not played fewer than 19 games in a season other than the shortened 2020 season,when he played all 17.
The veteran has declared his intent to get to Essendon and that free agency move will be formalised as the regular player trade window opens with Goldstein’s unrestricted free agency status meaning the Kangaroos can’t match a rival bid. The Kangaroos are expected to trade in Carlton’s Zac Fisher and Sydney’s Dylan Stephens.
The Bombers will also begin further talks with Port Adelaide after Brandon Zerk-Thatcher requested a trade home to Adelaide for family reasons. The Bombers have some interest in Port midfielder Xavier Duursma and may try to include him in any deal for Zerk-Thatcher if they decide to make him an offer. Port Adelaide are also looking to trade in Geelong’s Esava Ratugolea and the Western Bulldogs’ Jordon Sweet.
The Taylor Adams request for a trade to Sydney means the Swans will become one of the key players of the week as they trade heavily for mature talent as they plunge on still being in the premiership window.