Fremantle has received advice from Kane Cornes to prioritize the acquisition of Chad Warner instead of considering Shai Bolton or Kysaiah Pickett. Recent insights from Jon Ralph on Fox Footy reveal that the Sydney Swans’ star is interested in making a return to Western Australia when his contract concludes at the end of next season. Given that Fremantle and West Coast are the only teams in WA, the Dockers are expected to remain at the center of speculation regarding Warner’s potential move.
While Fremantle is also eyeing Richmond’s Shai Bolton and Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett, Cornes argues that the Dockers would be better off channeling their resources toward securing Warner. He emphasizes that trading for Bolton or Pickett would require significant draft capital, which Fremantle currently holds in the form of valuable picks for 2024. According to Cornes, this draft capital consists of Picks 9, 10, 16, and 27, making it crucial for Fremantle to make calculated decisions about their future.
“This is a pivotal moment for Fremantle,” Cornes stated during a segment on AFL Trade Radio’s The Early Trade. He believes that if there’s a chance to bring Warner into the fold, he should be the top priority over either Bolton or Pickett. Cornes suggests that with the right strategic moves, Fremantle could effectively position themselves to make a strong bid for Warner come the end of next season. However, he cautions that if the club decides to part with two first-round picks for either Bolton or Pickett, they would jeopardize their chances of landing Warner.
Warner remains under contract with the Swans until the end of 2025, yet speculation is growing that the 23-year-old may seek a trade back to Western Australia following another disappointing Grand Final loss. Cornes further critiques the Swans for not exploring trade options for key forward Logan McDonald, suggesting they could have obtained substantial draft picks in return. He also believes Fremantle, along with the Western Bulldogs, missed opportunities to leverage their assets for greater returns.
Cornes expresses his frustration with clubs that hesitate to trade players, citing McDonald as a prime example. He argues that clubs often cling to players who may not possess the potential to become iconic figures within the league. “If a team is willing to offer two first-round picks and significant financial incentives, it would be wise to consider that offer seriously,” he remarked. Cornes applies the same logic to Fremantle’s situation with Sean Darcy, noting that the club could have gained valuable picks rather than retaining a high-salary player prone to injuries. Ultimately, he questions why clubs are reluctant to take calculated risks in trading, suggesting a shift in mindset is necessary for future success.