Judd AFL deal talks set to formally open
October 7, 2007 - 9:57PM | The Age
Carlton and West Coast formally start work on Monday on the much-anticipated Chris Judd deal when the AFL's trade week opens.
The former Eagles captain and 2004 Brownlow Medallist is the No.1 story of this trade period, which ends on Friday at 2pm.
Soon after West Coast narrowly lost their semi-final last month to Collingwood, Judd compounded the misery when he told them he wanted to return to his home state for personal reasons.
That sparked a torrent of speculation and intense interest from clubs, with the Blues winning the contest to be Judd's preferred new home.
But now they must strike a deal with the Eagles.
West Coast want Carlton's No.1 and No.3 picks in the draft, but the Blues say the top pick is not on the table.
While there is speculation young Carlton player Josh Kennedy might also be part of the deal, this is yet to be confirmed.
Richmond could also become involved if Carlton's negotiations with the Eagles break down.
The Tigers might try to manufacture a deal with Carlton that locks out West Coast and sends Judd to the Blues in the pre-season draft.
"We'll know a lot more tomorrow, won't we? We'll see what happens ... it hasn't really changed," said Blues chief executive Greg Swann.
"You'd obviously like to get it done early, but if it doesn't get done early, that's no dramas either.
"You've just got to get the right deal and if that takes longer, then so be it.
"We haven't really spoken to them about what they want, so we'll see what they say tomorrow."
Swann added Richmond would be a keen observer of the initial talks between his club and the Eagles.
"They're positioning themselves as Plan B - with us and West Coast," he said.
"They've obviously got some relevance, but they're going to have to wait and see what happens."
The clubs will have their first meetings from 10.30 tomorrow morning at Telstra Dome.
http://news.realfooty.com.au/judd-afl-deal-talks-set-to-formally-open/20070707-1306.html