Greater Western Sydney and Essendon continue to lock horns in negotiations over Bobby Hill's desired move to Tullamarine, with Collingwood understood to be waiting to swoop should a deal fail to land.
Hill's request to move to Victoria in the past week came as a shock, with the exciting forward contracted for 2022 and believed to have been in negotiations for a new deal not too long ago.
The 21-year-old requested a move south on passionate grounds as his partner is currently pregnant, with the Bombers his preferred destination.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
The Giants have not been keen to part ways with the Perth product, however they are understood to have opened discussions with Essendon in order to facilitate a deal.
According to Fox Footy's Tom Morris, the Bombers are satisfied in sending Picks 51 and 56 to the Giants in exchange for Hill, believing a straight swap for a future second-round selection is too much to give up for the forward.
Given Hill is contracted, the Bombers may have to pay more than what they hope, which could add friction to negotiations and keep the Magpies in play.
Giants Board of Directors member Jimmy Bartel said on RSN's Breakfast Club that it will take a "compelling" offer for the Giants to part ways with Hill given his contract situation.
"Unless the Bombers offer something so compelling that we release him from his contract. He's a contracted player at the Giants," Bartel said.
Giants football boss Jason McCartney and Bombers list manager Adrian Dodoro are believed to have sparked conversations in regards to a deal, however the former believes a trade is becoming an unlikely outcome.
"Bobby and I have spoken and I've said it's highly unlikely to happen and he'd be welcome back at the club with no issues or concerns," McCartney told AFL.com.au.
Hill has played 30 games for the Giants since making his debut in 2019, booting 25 goals across his young AFL career.
Essendon currently hold Picks 11, 51 and 56 for this year's National Draft.
