Western Bulldogs keen on Sydney's Barry Hunt

Mark Stevens and Jon Ralph | October 07, 2008 12:00am

THE Western Bulldogs have not slammed the door shut on a bid for Barry Hall. Hall was one of several key forwards the Dogs inquired about yesterday.

Although Sydney said Hall was contracted and required, the Dogs will continue their pursuit.

"We inquired about Barry and they said, at this stage, he is a required player," Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said.

"We haven't totally given up. We will continue to make inquiries."

It is understood Hall is of one of up to 10 players fitting the "power forward" category who caught the Dogs' eye.

Although the door might be ajar with Hall, the Dogs are hamstrung because they paid a premium price for highly rated father-son pick Ayce Cordy.

Despite reports, the Dogs are highly unlikely to offer former Essendon forward Courtney Johns a second chance.

It is believed Hawk Tim Boyle isn't high on the Dogs' wish list, either.

Justin Koschitzke is off-limits, with St Kilda telling suitors yesterday he was going nowhere.

Clubs said West Coast was open to the idea of trading 198cm premiership player Ashley Hansen, but he is more of a lead-up player than a power forward.

If Hansen was to end up at the Dogs, it could be in a deal involving Farren Ray.

It is believed the Eagles showed interest in Ray, who wants to leave Whitten Oval.

Other clubs may also circle Ray later in the week and the Bulldogs say they want a minimum of a high second-round selection to trade him.

Fantasia said keeping Ray would be a real possibility if suitable compensation could not be found.

"We put on the table that we think . . . that he's a second-round draft pick, and an earlier second round than a later second-round. That seems to be a fair and reasonable asking price," he said.

"We have said right from the word go that he is a required player.

"He has indicated that he would like to try this week to see if there is another club and another opportunity, but we have spoken to his manager even as late as today and reaffirmed that we would like him to be with us next year so we will still progress that way."

The Bulldogs conceded that rivals were not yet knocking down the door at Whitten Oval chasing the former top-five draft pick.

"There have been a number of clubs that have shown some interest. Nothing that has fallen today, but we are sure that by the end of the week something might come around."

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