AFL Rd 12 - West Coast v Hawthorn
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Jarrod Brander of the Eagles in action during the 2020 AFL Round 12 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Hawthorn Hawks at Optus Stadium on August 16, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

West Coast have reportedly decided not to offer a new deal to midfielder Jarrod Brander for the 2022 season.

According to 7 News Perth's Ryan Daniels, Brander is likely to make a move east, with a return to Victoria potentially on the cards.

The 22-year-old's departure is a likely outcome of the Eagles' tight salary cap situation, which has placed a number of key players without deals for next year.

Veteran trio Josh Kennedy, Shannon Hurn and Jack Redden are understood to be nearing new one-year extensions, while defender Liam Duggan is yet to formally recommit to the club.

The Eagles have already bid farewell to seven players this off-season, with veteran ruckman Nathan Vardy among those not offered new deals.

It was understood that both the Eagles and Vardy were keen to continue their partnership, however financial difficulties look to have brought the ruckman's tenure in blue and gold to an end, with the 30-year-old announcing his retirement.

Now, Brander looks destined to be the next name heading for the exit, with the Eagles reportedly open to a trade should a keen rival come calling.

The Cats have been closely linked to Brander's services given his upbringing at Geelong Grammar, while other Victorian clubs are tipped to show interest.

Speaking on ABC Radio earlier this week, Eagles chief executive Trevor Nisbett stated that Brander would be available to offers.

"We'll get through the trade period with Jarrod and then we'll make some decisions on Jarrod as to where he's at," Nisbett said.

"Currently we're waiting on the trade period to start.

Embed from Getty Images

"If Jarrod is a tradable player, we'll see if someone's got some interest in Jarrod.

"After that we'll see what happens from that point on, but we'll make decisions post the trade period."

Brander joined the Eagles as a first-round selection in the 2017 National Draft and played 11 games for the Eagles in 2021, doubling his career tally.