The Gold Coast has turned its attention to retaining a young key forward as a restricted free agent has put off contract talks.
Collingwood has a target for a new chief executive.
And a Hawks leader needs to be careful if he wants to retain his captaincy.
All that and more from media buzz...
Suns forward conundrum
Gold Coast have upped their offer to retain Jed Walter, putting forward a five-year $5 million deal.
Walter has been linked to moves to multiple clubs, and is understood to have met Essendon in recent weeks.
There's growing certainty around Ben King, who is yet to sign a two-year contract worth around $2.6 million.
"Gold Coast is officially worried (about Ben King)" 😨
The Suns have put $5 million on the table for young forward Jed Walter amid growing fears Ben King will leave, reports @RalphyHeraldSun on #OnTheCouch. pic.twitter.com/bWWFaas3ay
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) June 8, 2026
Collingwood "keen" on Dockers boss
Collingwood is understood to be keen in bringing across Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick.
Current Pies boss Craig Kelly is looking at an exit from the club, which was reported last week.
Garlick is seen as a potential replacement.
"Freo's a bigger club (than Collingwood) right now."
Hutchy on Collingwood being "very keen" on Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick 👉 https://t.co/axCuhlezQ9 https://t.co/w1TprjhAPe pic.twitter.com/8fIHiYgl7V
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 8, 2026
Tassie concern
Concerns continue to linger over Tasmania's stadium build ahead of the club's entry into the AFL.
The deal was determined based on the venue's build, and an individual economist has predicted the budget can balloon out to well over the expected figure, ranging between $1.5 to $1.8 billion.
"He has essentially said, in short, that this stadium deal has blown out."
A bombshell report from a leading economist has cast doubt on the Mac Point stadium build and Tasmania's future, Sam McClure reports.#9FootyClassified | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/CwWJkIyulv
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) June 8, 2026
Hawks captain needs to "rein it in"
Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd says Hawks co-captain James Sicily needs to fix his mental lapses or fear losing the leadership role.
On Friday, Sicily was enraged by the extra attention he received from the Western Bulldogs.
“Rein it in and start leading, otherwise I think it's time that we went a sole captain next year,” Lloyd said on Footy Classified.
“You've got to stay in control, and (Sicily) sort of loses control. Marcus (Bontempelli) could be harassed all day long, but he's still going to be directing traffic.
“I think James has to ask himself … ‘Was I in control? Did I help anybody else?' And the answer would be no.”
In-form Dee set to sign big deal
Melbourne free agent Kade Chandler is tipped to sign a five-year deal to remain at the club.
Chandler is an unrestricted free agent, and posed as an excellent target for a rival side.
However, it is understood he will remain at the Demons.
Kade Chandler is expected to re-sign with Melbourne for "as long as five years", per Tom Morris. pic.twitter.com/K5nqOG5Unf
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 8, 2026
