It would seem we are interested in anyone and everyone. How's this for a story that says absolutely nothing
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Jolly the key to Ottens' future
04 October 2004 Herald Sun
Scott Gullan and Mark Robinson
A BACK-UP ruckman who played just seven games this season looms as the key to unlocking this year's trade frenzy.
Melbourne's Darren Jolly has already been the subject of intense interest from several clubs and his destination appears certain to affect the future of the hottest name on the market - Richmond's Brad Ottens.
At every trade week, the big deal has to fall before the rest can flow. Where, how, and for what, will dominate today's meeting at Optus Oval of representatives of the 16 clubs with Ottens the key player to several deals.
Sydney, Richmond and Carlton are leading the charge for Jolly, 23, who, despite having a year to run on his contract, has told the Demons he no longer wants to play second fiddle to Jeff White.
Ottens has requested a trade from Richmond, preferably to Geelong, although it remains to be seen if a deal can be done.
The cashed-up Swans are keen on Ottens while the Kangaroos have also made the big-marking Tiger a priority.
Other big names seeking new homes this week include Port Adelaide's Josh Carr to Fremantle and Adelaide's Tyson Stenglein to West Coast.
Disgruntled pair Hawthorn's Nathan Thompson and Carlton's Lance Whitnall will be discussed but are unlikely to move.
Richmond has told Geelong it wants two first-round draft picks for Ottens which places the Cats in a tough situation.
Coach Mark Thompson has already stated he doesn't want to mess with the chemistry of his young team and won't be trading any of the rising stars in his midfield.
The only way the Cats, who have selection No. 16, can get a better pick is to deal players. Names that have been thrown around include Brent Moloney, Charlie Gardiner, David Spriggs, Corey Enright and Paul Chapman.
Another unheralded player who is creating plenty of interest is Western Bulldogs youngster Lindsay Gilbee.
Gilbee has told the Dogs he wants to be traded with his former coach Terry Wallace at Richmond showing interest along with Sydney, which has declared it is after experienced players rather than young draftees for next year.
Delisted Hawthorn midfielder Lance Picioane has three clubs chasing him with the Kangaroos, ahead of Essendon and Melbourne, the front-runner.
The deal could involve a direct player swap and low draft selections.
Kangaroos forward Leigh Harding is a possibility in the trade, although he has also been linked to Carlton.
Picioane was delisted in a post-season clean-out by the Hawks.
The relationship between Carlton and Whitnall appears set to continue.
Despite strong speculation Whitnall wanted out and that coach Denis Pagan was fed-up with Whitnall's weight issues, it's believed the 25-year-old will continue at the Blues.
His manager, Ricky Nixon, said yesterday no trade discussions had taken place.
Other high-profile players who have been the subject of trade rumours include West Coast pair Michael Gardiner and Daniel Kerr and out-of-contract Demons Russell Robertson and Clint Bizzell.
Eagles midfielder Chad Morrison has made it known he wants to return to Victoria and a solid finish to the season will ensure he has several suitors.
And it was revealed yesterday Demons backman Peter Walsh is also looking for a new club.
Veteran St Kilda pair Justin Peckett and Andrew Thompson will play on next season after being offered one-year contracts.
