The Fremantle Dockers are reportedly weighing up a move for former Melbourne and North Melbourne midfielder Corey Wagner as a rookie option for the 2023 season.
Wagner has emerged as a target for AFL clubs after thriving for VFL club Port Melbourne this year, switching to a defensive role that saw the 25-year-old average 22.3 disposals, 4.3 tackles, 2.3 clearances and 2.4 inside 50s per game in the second-tier competition.
The promising campaign has placed Wagner in the frame for another chance in the top flight, potentially adding to his 19 career games during his time with the Kangaroos and Demons.
Wagner made his AFL debut with North Melbourne in 2016 after joining the club as the 41st overall selection at the National Draft the year prior.
After just two seasons at Arden Street, Wagner was delisted by the Roos before being handed a lifeline by the Demons through the first ever Supplemental Selection Period window ahead of the 2019 season.
Wagner would play 11 games in the red and blue in what would be his only season with Melbourne, again facing the axe at the expiry of his contract.
Now, according toย The West Australian,ย Fremantle could be Wagner's third AFL side as the Cockburn club consider signing the Aspley product.
The Dockers enter the draft period off the back of a busy exchange window, having traded in Luke Jackson, Jaeger O'Meara and Josh Corbett, while parting ways with five players and their first-round selection for this month's National Draft.
Fremantle exited the trade window with Picks 30, 44, 67 and 76 for the draft, and may consider Wagner as a late selection option, but are more likely to utilise the Rookie Draft or SSP avenues when considering the speedy backman.
Wagner isn't the only Port Melbourne player in the sights of AFL clubs, with key defender Ethan Phillips also sure to gain attention after claiming the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the VFL's most promising young talent.
That award has seen its past 15 recipients go on to secure an AFL list spot, with premiership players Kane Lambert and Bayley Fritsch among the extensive list of winners.
Phillips averaged 19.6 disposals and 9.8 marks for the Borough this season on his way to earning VFL Team of the Year honours.
