Bont’s biggest contract hint yet; update on Suns star as Victorian rivals circle:

Pickett: New Dees deal all very surreal | 01:37

After ongoing speculation, there is finally an update on the future of Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli.

Up north, noise around the future of a Gold Coast utility is growing louder as multiple reports cite interest from rival clubs in his home state.

Plus, a veteran Pie has his sights set on an all-time AFL record amid contract talks.

Get the latest player movement news and updates in AFL Trade Whispers!

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DOGS, BONTEMPELLI FINALLY BEGIN CONTRACT TALKS

After much speculation and intrigue around the future of Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, there appears to be a new development.

Nine’s Tom Morris reported on Friday morning that discussions have begun between the 29-year-old superstar and the Dogs on an extension at Whitten Oval.

Despite having history with delaying contract talks at the club, some Bulldogs fans have remained nervous at the prospect of the midfielder remaining unsigned coming into the second half of their side’s season.

Nonetheless, Morris suggests that within reason, Bontempelli will be compensated adequately for his loyalty to the Kennel.

The 248-gamer has never signed a deal longer than four years, meaning any deal agreed on that keeps him locked away longer than 2029 would be in some ways unprecedented.

The six-time All-Australian was kept quiet in Thursday night’s 12-goal smashing of St Kilda, with Saints gun Marcus Windhager — who is also out of contract at year’s end — holding him to just 14 disposals and three clearances.

Bontempelli cops Saints' brutal tag | 01:50

STAR SUN A ‘BIG WATCH’ FOR RIVALS

Noise around the future of Gold Coast utility Sam Flanders is growing louder, despite being contracted at the club until the end of 2027.

As first reported by foxfooty.com.au’s Will Faulkner, the 23-year-old gun has emerged as a trade target for Victorian clubs who believe he could be persuaded off the coast.

In addition, Flanders is considered a “big watch” in the back half of the year, Nine’s Tom Morris has also since reported.

Rival clubs believe that they could “turn his head” with the lure of more midfield time and an increase in cash.

Flanders has played across the half-forward line this year after breaking out in a major way last season across half-back.

A talented midfielder-forward during his under 18s days, the Suns said “he’s not up for trade”, but Morris believes that won’t stop rivals making a play.

After dealing with a back issue during the pre-season, Flanders has averaged 17.5 disposals and 0.9 goals a game, well down on his numbers from last year albeit playing a very different role. Last season’s form which had him pushing for All-Australian selection saw him average a career-high 30.9 disposals.

He’s been pushed down the midfield pecking order this year, with Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell and Touk Miller the usual trio, but Bailey Humphrey and Will Graham both seemed to be preferred as well by coach Damien Hardwick.

In many ways, Flanders has been a victim of his own versatility when it comes to his midfield minutes.

Lombard ECSTATIC after first AFL goal | 00:42

PIES VETERAN EYES ALL-TIME RECORD

Collingwood veteran Scott Pendlebury is in talks with the Pies to extend his AFL career into next season.

AFL Media’s Cal Twomey reported that discussions are underway for a one-year extension, which would give Pendlebury the chance to break the all-time games record.

The all-time AFL/VFL games record is 432, which is held by North Melbourne champion Brent Harvey.

Pendlebury will be 38 when next season begins.

The Pies have several decisions to make surrounding their veterans this year, with Steele Sidebottom, Jamie Elliott, Jeremy Howe, Brody Mihocek, Tom Mitchell, Mason Cox and Will Hoskin-Elliott all without deals beyond 2025.

Earlier this week Collingwood locked away defender Brayden Maynard on a four-year deal, tying him to the club until the end of 2029.

'Collingwood can't lose!' | 07:02

‘INTEREST FROM OTHER CLUBS’: COULD FRINGE CROW MOVE?

Adelaide Crows great Mark Bickley believes Lachie Sholl would have “interest from other clubs” if he is unable to break back into Adelaide’s senior side.

Sholl has been limited to just five matches this season and hasn’t been seen at the top level since round five, but Bickley believes he is good enough to play AFL football.“He’s capable to play at AFL,” Bickley told SEN SA Breakfast.

“If at the end of the year if he’s still not playing, there would be interest from other clubs. I’m sure.”

The 25-year-old winger has slipped down the pecking order at West Lakes, as young gun Dan Curtin makes the wing position his own.

Midfielder Sam Berry and youngsters Sid Draper and Zac Taylor are also playing more games than Sholl at the moment, and the Crows’ off-season trade haul means there are more names to squeeze into Matthew Nicks’ side.

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