Ben King's future at the Gold Coast Suns has once again come under question. AFL Trade Radio's The Early Trade discussed the clubs that should pursue the young forward if he requests a move back to Victoria.
Since being drafted by the Suns in 2018 with the No.6 pick, there have been speculations around King's future at the club.
Earlier this season, it was reported that St Kilda were looking to pursue King to pair him with his brother Max to create a dynamic forward setup.
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Trade Radio presenter Kane Cornes threw another club in the mix for the talented forward, believing that Essendon should put their 'hat in the ring' when King's contract expires at the end of the 2022 season.
“I just wonder what their play is for Ben King?” Kane Cornes asked.
“Are you willing to make a big move now and try and chase that forward that perhaps isn’t there?"
An offer for King this off-season would come at an exorbitant price, as the key-forward is still under contract for next season.
The Western Bulldogs were reportedly asking for at least two first-round picks for Josh Dunkley last season when he requested a trade to the Bombers. Dunkley similarly was still under contract when the two clubs were in trade talks. With the age of King and the scarcity of big forwards, the Suns would be asking for significantly more than a pair of high selections.
Instead, Cornes thinks Essendon could pursue a short-term solution, so they can go all out for King in 2022.
“Could you have a stopgap? Could it be a Mason Cox for a year? And then save all your money for Ben King and at least put your hat in the ring," the Port Adelaide premiership player said.
“Most people would say St Kilda is the obvious one for obvious reasons, but I think you would be negligent not to have a crack.
“The feeling that you get is Ben King’s coming home. I don’t see him extending in this off-season.”
Mitch Cleary shared a similar belief about King's future at the Gold Coast. His thoughts are that it's not a matter of if, but when, on a return back home.
“I think everyone in footy is aware that he’s going to finish his career in Melbourne, it’s just a matter of when,” Cleary told Cornes.
“Is it after his fourth year? Is it after his sixth year?"
The 'come home' factor has been an issue for many clubs over the past few years. Players such as Tim Kelly, Adam Cerra, Jordan Dawson, and Brad Crouch all have wanted to return to their home states in recent years.
Losing King would be a major loss for the Suns, with the 21-year-old having a breakout season in 2021. He finished the season with 47 goals, finishing seventh in the Coleman Medal race.
The Suns will be looking to have a better run of injuries in 2022 and make a serious push for finals. Doing so could give King confidence in the direction of the club. This could help the Suns extend him before the end of the next season.
