MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 28: Patrick Lipinski of the Bulldogs celebrates during the 2019 AFL round 19 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Fremantle Dockers at Marvel Stadium on July 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Collingwood have emerged as the leading candidate in the pursuit of Western Bulldogs midfielder Patrick Lipinski.
Lipinski is expected to request a trade away from the Whitten Oval when the Bulldogs season comes to an end as he looks for more senior footy and midfield opportunities.
The 23-year-old has been linked with both Carlton and Collingwood in recent months but the Pies appear to have their nose in front.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
AFL.com.au are reporting that despite the Bulldogs offering a 3-year deal to Lipinski he is set for the exit door.
The Dogs would likely seek draft capital as compensation as they look to pool their picks together for father-son prospect Sam Darcy, who is expected to go early in the first round.
However, Collingwood are taking a similar approach to the draft with Nick Daicos set to become a Pie. Daicos could go as early as pick one on draft night and the Pies have traded away their first-round pick which currently stands at pick 2.
Meanwhile, Carlton are aiming their focus toward Fremantle midfielder Adam Cerra who has requested a trade back to Victoria. This may give the Pies clear running at Lipinski should they be able to put together an offer for the Dogs.
Lipinski has managed just 11 games this season-two of those have been as an unused medical sub, and 56 for his career so far.