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Five trade targets for EVERY club: Greater Western Sydney

Who should the Giants target in the 2021 trade period?

Published by
Benjamin Millard

GWS have had a pretty average season 2021, with the side not really progressing as they would have liked to off the back of their disappointing 2020.

Josh Kelly is rumoured to be out the door at the end of the year, and with injuries marring the side, the Giants will likely have to make some moves in the market this year.

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We continue our ‘Five trade targets for every club’ series with GWS.

The idea of these stories is to identify potentially gettable targets who could fill roles, not just link every club to superstars, the likes of Marcus Bontempelli or Patrick Cripps.

In no particular order, here are five players which the GWS recruitment team would do well to target and potentially poach.

Robbie Tarrant

The North Melbourne veteran is a solid prospect down back, and his experience would be a huge asset for Leon Cameron's side. The key defender will be an unrestricted free agent come the end of 2021, and will be either kept in the team for a couple more years or moved on.

Despite being well into the twilight years of his career, Tarrant has been big for the Roos for many years. Kidney surgery meant that he hasn't been able to feature for the Kangaroos until the round just gone, but played solidly in his return game.

If Tarrant is looking for one last hurrah before he hangs up the boots, then perhaps a move to the Harbour City could be on the cards.

Taylin Duman

The young Dockers defender has been in the Fremantle side for the bulk of the season, and has been solid as ever for Justin Longmuir.

In particular, his most recent performance against the Suns was one of his best, finishing with 22 disposals - including 14 kicks, eight handballs and nine marks.

Duman is also averaging some great stats in key metrics, such as averaging 2.8 contested defence one on ones per game and 4.3 spoils per game, which are elite level numbers by AFL standard.

The 23-year-old is out-of-contract come season's end and, if the Giants tempt him with the right offer, could be enticed into a move to Blacktown.

Esava Ratugolea

The Cats big man has had a stunted start to 2021 through injury, but has finally gotten back into the side and has looked good value so far.

The 22-year-old ruck is able to effectively move around the ground and his incredible ability overhead is a real asset to Chris Scott's side.

However, Ratugolea hasn't exactly had the game time he would've been hoping for at the Cats, and might be looking for an exit with his contract up at the end of the year.

With GWS' ruck options set to reduce at the end of this year with Shane Mumford tipped to retire, it looks like there could be an opening for another tall in Leon Cameron's side.

Should Ratugolea continue to be in and out of the Geelong side, then the Giants could definitely twist his arm into making the move north.

Mitch Wallis

The Dogs' exciting forward has been kept out of the team this year by the likes of Aaron Naughton, Josh Bruce and Cody Weightman, and won't be looking to sit on the sidelines for much longer.

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His tail-end of the 2020 season was incredible, and was a huge part of the Doggies' attack as they crept into the eight at the last minute.

The 28-year-old finished with 25 goals in 18 matches in 2020, and his ability to put the pressure on the opposition's defence coupled with his great set of hands would be a huge asset to wherever he choose to ply his trade.

Despite this form, he has only played two games in 2021 and isn't getting any younger. A forward-line consisting of him and Toby Greene would be one of the most frightening prospects for oppositions.

The Giants recruitment team would be wise to submit a bid for him this trade period.

Luke Dunstan

The Saints mid has been in top form when he has featured in season 2021, coming back into the side and making his mark so far.

The 26-year-old had a really stunted 2020, with a pectoral tear ruling him out for a large portion of the season and failing to force his way back in following his recovery.

This year, Dunstan is polling some top level numbers - specifically in his defensive work. The midfielder is averaging 7.8 tackles per game and 26.3 pressure acts per game, elite level figures for an on-baller.

If Josh Kelly were to make a huge exit in the summer, then Dunstan would be a great replacement, with his tenacity and experience being a solid acquisition for Leon Cameron.

Adding to this, his restricted free agency status means that he would cost less than most, making even more sense for GWS to pursue him.

Published by
Benjamin Millard