Rivals renew interest in flag Tiger after Blues cool on free agent AFL.com.au
Mitch Cleary
Aug 28, 2019 12:26PMCARLTON has delivered a stunning backflip on the eve of finals, pulling out of the race for Richmond free agent Brandon Ellis.
Despite courting the premiership wingman for much of the season, the Blues have withdrawn their interest to focus on a pursuit of other trade targets.
Rival clubs and industry figures have become aware of the Ellis situation and his sudden availability after many had viewed the Blues as a clubhouse leader for the Tiger's services throughout the season.
It is believed the Blues' call on Ellis came late last week, even before they were denied another big target in Stephen Coniglio, who recommitted to the Giants on Tuesday.
The Blues had been confident of landing Coniglio, who was being chased with a monster deal of up to $1.3 million per season and up to $2 million for the first season alone.
Gold Coast is coming hard at Ellis in an attempt to attract senior experience, with rivals now closely monitoring his intentions after previously anticipating he was due to land at the Blues.
Brisbane also enquired about the 26-year-old last year while he was under contract at the Tigers, before the explosion of youngsters Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry.
As a top-10 earner at the Tigers this season, Ellis is a restricted free agent.
As revealed by AFL.com.au in July, Ellis had decided to park all negotiations until season's end to assess his free agency options.
Coniglio's recommitment leaves Ellis as one of few sought-after free agents in this year's crop. Others include Adam Tomlinson, Jamie Elliott and Todd Goldstein.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-08-28/rivals-renew-interest-in-flag-tiger-after-blues-cool-on-free-agent
