Bulldogs reportedly interested in Hawks premiership defender

Following news that Adelaide defender and Western Bulldogs' trade target, Jake Lever has told the reigning premiers he will not be joining the club, the Dogs have reportedly set their sights on another key tall.

The Australian reports the Western Bulldogs are interested in luring Hawthorn premiership player, Ryan Schoenmakers to the Whitten Oval.

The 26-year-old, who is a restricted free agent at season's, has reportedly only been offered a short-term contract extension by the Hawks and could be open to a move.

The Bulldogs have upped their interest in the 2015 premiership player over the past week and talks between the two parties are expected to escalate following the close of the season, which for both teams is likely to be this Friday night.

Interestingly, Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs face off this Friday night at Etihad Stadium. The Bulldogs will still have a slim chance of sneaking into the finals if they win and results fall their way, while the Hawks are out of finals contention.

Schoenmakers does have links to the Dogs, with coach Luke Beveridge working closely with him during his time as an assistant coach at Hawthorn.

The former No.16 draft pick, has played 111 games for the Hawks since making his debut in round one, 2009, however, has managed 10 games this season.