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AFL trades 2021: West Coast wantaway Jarrod Brander could find new home as delisted free agent

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Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
Jarrod Brander is still yet to find a suitor as the trade period comes to a close.
Camera IconJarrod Brander is still yet to find a suitor as the trade period comes to a close. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

West Coast utility Jarrod Brander could be free to walk to a new home as a delisted free agent if a suitor fails to emerge in the remaining two days of the trade period.

Brander remains in trade limbo, yet to be offered a new contract by West Coast but at this stage without a club willing to negotiate a trade.

While Brander’s manager David Trotter of Hemisphere Management said some clubs continued to show preliminary interest in the former pick 13, he conceded it was almost too late to broker a deal.

Instead, Brander could be forced to revisit his AFL career with West Coast but preferably, the Eagles would delist the Bendigo Pioneers product and allow him to find a new home without receiving any compensation.

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“I think with Jarrod it’ll be more if he gets through to tomorrow night and nothing happens, chatting to West Coast,” Trotter told Trade Radio.

“I’m hopeful something happens this period. I’ve had a few clubs saying they’re having a bit of a look but it’s getting pretty late.

“If there was an opportunity there where someone (opposition club) gets through trade period, has a spot on their list they think Jarrod might be able to fill, then we’ll go to West Coast.

“Hopefully they do the right thing and he’ll become a delisted free agent, that might open up some more avenues for him.

“If that (staying at Eagles) was his only option he’d look at it but I think both parties in terms of Jarrod and the club have said with where you sit, it’s not the right fit in terms of list position for us and where you play for us.

“He wants to continue his AFL career. There wouldn’t be too many people out there who think he’s not good enough to be on an AFL list.”

Could West Coast get nothing for Jarrod Brander?
Camera IconCould West Coast get nothing for Jarrod Brander? Credit: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/via AFL Photos

After being forced out onto a wing for the past two seasons as a result of West Coast’s key position depth, Trotter said Brander could rediscover his best form with a forward role at a new club.

“Ideally as that tall forward,” he said.

“He’s not big enough to be your number one key man but second or third tall forward.

“I remember seeing him play under-16s up on the Gold Coast, his size and the way he moves and kicks it, I think he could be pretty damaging.

“The stuff on the wing has seen him really build up his tank and his running is elite for a player of his size.

“They’ve got some real depth in the key position area. He’s played wing a lot over the past two or three years. The six-foot-three wingman hasn’t worked traditionally a lot over the years.”

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