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THE Western Bulldogs have offered late-season sensation Jarrad Grant a new contract as hopes grow they could land Essendon’s Stewart Crameri.
The one-season offer for Grant is a story of perseverance given he was playing VFL reserves this year, but he is pushing for a two-year deal.
The Dogs and Essendon both say Crameri is yet to make up his mind, and could yet stay at the Bombers.
But there is no way the Bombers will be able to match a four-year $1.8 million deal for hard-leading Crameri.
It means the Dogs are in the box seat to secure him given the dual lures of opportunity and extra money.
The Bulldogs said yesterday they still were awaiting his word despite intensifying speculation Crameri will make the move.
Grant was on the scrapheap midyear after another mediocre season but came into the senior in Round 16 and peeled off eight quality games.
The former No. 5 draft selection kicked 13 goals and averaged 17 possessions, but if the Dogs lure Crameri or other targets Jesse White and Scott Gumbleton he could still be surplus to requirements.
There is rival interest given his hot finish to the year but a two-year deal would clearly see him staying.
Manager Anthony McConville, of Macs Sports, said yesterday negotiations were continuing.
"Jarrad has been offered a contract with the Western Bulldogs, and at this stage there will be further discussions,’’ he said.
Essendon is also fighting to keep ruckman Tom Bellchambers, with negotiations delicately poised.
The one-season offer for Grant is a story of perseverance given he was playing VFL reserves this year, but he is pushing for a two-year deal.
The Dogs and Essendon both say Crameri is yet to make up his mind, and could yet stay at the Bombers.
But there is no way the Bombers will be able to match a four-year $1.8 million deal for hard-leading Crameri.
It means the Dogs are in the box seat to secure him given the dual lures of opportunity and extra money.
The Bulldogs said yesterday they still were awaiting his word despite intensifying speculation Crameri will make the move.
Grant was on the scrapheap midyear after another mediocre season but came into the senior in Round 16 and peeled off eight quality games.
The former No. 5 draft selection kicked 13 goals and averaged 17 possessions, but if the Dogs lure Crameri or other targets Jesse White and Scott Gumbleton he could still be surplus to requirements.
There is rival interest given his hot finish to the year but a two-year deal would clearly see him staying.
Manager Anthony McConville, of Macs Sports, said yesterday negotiations were continuing.
"Jarrad has been offered a contract with the Western Bulldogs, and at this stage there will be further discussions,’’ he said.
Essendon is also fighting to keep ruckman Tom Bellchambers, with negotiations delicately poised.
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