As Essendon attempt to manoeuvre through moves for Josh Dunkley and Jye Caldwell, Port Adelaide expect any deal for wantaway Bomber Orazio Fantasia to come late in the final day of the AFL trade period.
The Bombers’ moves for contracted Bulldogs gun Dunkley and GWS youngster Caldwell are among a plethora of big deals – none of which can be officially lodged until 3pm AEDT – that need to be sealed before the 7.30pm deadline.
Jeremy Cameron’s trade from GWS to Geelong, Ben Brown’s move to Melbourne and Jack Higgins’ St Kilda switch are yet to be confirmed while Collingwood’s Adam Treloar and Jaidyn Stephenson are also among those awaiting clarity on their respective futures.
Port Adelaide football boss Chris Davies expects to meet with the Bombers, who have previously knocked back the Power’s pick 29 for Fantasia, but is less confident of completing a deal.
“As a contracted player at Essendon, Essendon can ask for what they want really,” Davies told SEN SA Breakfast.
“Our pick 29, (as) has been well documented, is on the table. Where Essendon end up today has probably got a decent bit to do with what other business Essendon can get done.
“Because I’m sure they’re prioritising right now what they need to get into the club rather than necessarily what they want to get out.
“I’m confident that the two parties will sit down at some point today and try to thrash out a deal – I’m less confident that it’ll get done.
“But at the same time, we’ll put our best foot forward and hopefully by the end of tonight, Orazio’s part of our club.”