Magpies, Blues Cooling On Kerr
The Age
Wednesday September 24, 2008
COLLINGWOOD'S interest in acquiring West Coast star Daniel Kerr has cooled, with the Magpies suggesting that the asking price of two first-round draft picks means they are unlikely to pursue the All-Australian midfielder. Carlton has taken a similar view to the Magpies, the Blues keen to build via the draft and believing it will be difficult to satisfy West Coast's demand for two first-round picks. The Eagles have asked for two picks inside the top 10 or a top-three pick - effectively one of the highly prized West Australian teens Nicholas Natanui or Daniel Rich - in return for Kerr. Collingwood football operations chief Geoff Walsh said last night that while the club had yet to discuss Kerr with the Eagles, the asking price and the fact that he was contracted meant there was little prospect of the Magpies pursuing him. "The fact that he's contracted and the ... speculation that it's going to take two first-round draft choices to move him makes us think you don't need to go beyond that," he said. "To be fair, I haven't spoken to anyone directly, but when you're hearing those noises from his management that that's what they're requiring, well, then, there's no point going any further." Carlton football operations manager Steven Icke indicated that the Blues, too, would struggle to satisfy West Coast's demand for two first-round picks. "If they're still asking for two first rounds, we're cooling on the idea because we haven't got two first-round picks. They (the Eagles) hold the cards at the moment. "He is in contract and they don't have to trade him." Carlton's pursuit of Fremantle ruckman Robert Warnock - who is believed to favour joining the Blues - means they might lose their second pick, No.24. With the club reluctant to give up both its first and second picks in the last uncompromised draft, Kerr becomes a difficult proposition. Collingwood's Ben Johnson has indicated that he wants to remain with the Magpies next season after meeting club officials yesterday. Johnson, who has been the subject of trade speculation, has been considering his options after finishing an injury-interrupted season in the VFL. Johnson is contracted for 2009. Collingwood yesterday confirmed the delistings of veteran Brodie Holland, Sam Iles and Chris Egan. Holland has indicated he would like to continue his AFL career. Captain Scott Burns, Ryan Lonie and Shane Wakelin have all retired.
© 2008 The Age
