Overlooked GWS power forward Max Gruzewski should be high on target lists for rival clubs who need to bolster their front half.
The Giants have largely been settled on their forward mix, and more often than not, bypass Gruzewski when Adam Kingsley selects his team.
The 21-year-old, who is out of contract at season's end, has played 15 games since the beginning of 2023, but has failed to cement his spot in a side consisting of Jesse Hogan, Aaron Cadman, Jake Riccardi, Jake Stringer and Callum Brown.
Gruzewski has been forced to toil away in the VFL for the better part of his AFL career to date, playing 44 games. Only five of those he's gone goalless.
But his latest performance reminded those he's still in the top-flight system, kicking five majors against North Melbourne.
Gruzewski was joined by Riccardi and Brown in the VFL over the weekend, further illustrating the forward-line squeeze at the Giants.
"Max has played excellent football at VFL level, no question about it," Gruzewski's agent Scott Lucas said in July last year.
"The Giants are very settled on the structure and personnel they have in the front six at the moment.
"We have had calls from clubs. We've had as many calls about Max as any other player on our list. We hear clubs talking about the need for forward power.
"He's under contract, and we've had some discussions with the Giants about how that all looks going forward. We're a long way from reaching any particular point."
Will this interest renew?
There's multiple clubs that need ready-made key forwards.
Collingwood is one that immediately springs to mind, and its interest in Ben King and Mitch Lewis has signalled to the competition of their desperate need for another key forward.
Essendon, with its age profile and stage of its rebuild, should consider Gruzewski to partner with Nate Caddy.
