Contracted Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson has reportedly undergone a medical at Whitten Oval, with the Western Bulldogs potentially looking to bolster their key-position stocks for next season.
The Bulldogs have already been heavily linked to Fremantle ruck-forward Rory Lobb, while ex-Carlton defender Liam Jones is set to return to the Kennel as a free agent following his absence from the AFL.
Lobb's flagged move to the east coast has hit a bump however, with Fremantle stating they're not open to a trade involving the former Giant given his contract status and requirements to the club.
That won't entirely rule out the chances of Lobb finding himself in the blue, white and red in 2023, but the Dockers' firm stance is sure to have thrown a spanner in the works for the Bulldogs' off-season planning.
Jones is set to add to a lacking key-defensive unit under Luke Beveridge, and it seems he may not be the only name joining the Dogs' rearguard, with Tomlinson now linked.
The 29-year-old managed just the eight appearances in 2022, which add to a tally of 15 games across the past two seasons after Tomlinson's season-ending knee injury in the opening half of last year.
The injury saw young backman Harry Petty come to the fore and help the Demons on their way to a premiership, while he has continued to hold his spot in defence.
A report earlier this week suggested Tomlinson was likely to find a new club despite being contracted for a further two seasons with the Demons. Now, according toย RSN'sย Mark Stevens, Tomlinson has been rumoured to have partaken in a medical with the Bulldogs.
"Adam Tomlinson is an interesting one at Melbourne," Stevens toldย Breakfast Clubย on Friday.
"He's had obviously a few injuries, has been squeezed out, Melbourne's key back stocks are pretty good.
"Now my little spies told me that he was out at the Kennel having a medical.
"They're already looking at Lobb, Liam Jones and potentially now Adam Tomlinson. So looking at the tall timber. They're certainly looking to their key back area and totally (will be) revamped if that's the case.
"He started as a winger at Melbourne and then pushed back (before) he had the knee (injury).
"So Tomlinson, just spotted in the Barkly Street region. I just found it strange when they're going after the other talls."
The Dogs' reported targeting of Tomlinson comes after a shaky season for Beveridge's backline, with more reliance placed on Ryan Gardner as veteran tall Alex Keath was demoted to the VFL late into the year.
Tomlinson has developed into a versatile tall option, able to play lockdown defence as well as on the wing and as a forward option.
The Canterbury product has played 168 AFL games since making his debut as a member of GWS' inaugural side in Round 1 of the 2012 season.
