Western Bulldogs defender trade targets, list needs, Luke Beveridge, loss to Fremantle, latest news

The Western Bulldogs have been urged to target an established key defender this off-season after the club’s back six was again exposed in Sunday’s likely season-ending loss to Fremantle.

So who should they go after?

The Dogs’ defensive woes were stark in the Marvel Stadium defeat to the Dockers as Freo’s array of forward aerial threats, like Luke Jackson, Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss and Patrick Voss, dominated Luke Beveridge’s defence.

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Beveridge post-match even conceded key position defenders played a role in his side’s failures this season as the club contemplates beefing up its stocks in the off-season.

Kangaroos legend David King doubled down on his call earlier this month that Dogs head of football Sam Power is the club’s “most important employee” given the need to bolster its defence via trade and free agency.

“(Power) has to get busy, because they have a massive issue behind the footy one-on-one,” King said on Fox Footy’s The First Crack.

“They get mauled by the best, and not even the best. They’re 18th in defensive one-on-ones, so they have to minimise the opportunities for opposition to get inside 50.

“This competition is so hard to win in September, you can’t be giving up too much of what you’ve got. You can’t be holding back your assets and strengths to cater for something else.

“They were involved in 18 one-on-ones (against Fremantle) — the most all year defensively. That’s strategy from Fremantle, so tick to them. But this is exposing the chasm between the competition and the Bulldogs.

“I just think this is so obvious for everyone to see, Luke (Beveridge) sees it. But premierships are won by full club, you’ve got to get everything right.

“We’ve talked about Aaron Naughton going back and all sorts of things. They’ve got to address this or they’ll just live in this bracket of the table.”

Dockers down Dogs to book finals footy | 02:27

Beveridge’s back six clearly needs that defensive anchor that can intercept and shift the course of a game from the back-half to compliment the rest of the star-studded list. All the best teams have them.

And so foxfooty.com.au runs through which defenders the Dogs should target to help turn the club into a bona fide contender.

THE HAIL MARY

Jacob Weitering (Carlton)

Let’s call this a dream outcome. There’s a level of uncertainty around the Blues’ core stars right now after a disappointing finals miss as the club has gone backwards in each of the last two seasons. It should surely prompt rivals to at least be asking the question of some of those stars to see if there’s any level of disharmony or a chance to pry them out of Ikon Park. Weitering, who ranked No. 3 in the AFL in intercepts in 2025, would be the ideal type of player to stick in that Dogs back six and raise their defensive profile. Though the 27-year old is the Blues’ co-vice captain, arguably their most important player and contracted until 2031, so good luck trying to wedge him out.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 07: Jacob Weitering of the Blues trains during a Carlton Blues AFL training session at Ikon Park on April 07, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

DREAM TARGETS

Callum Wilkie (St Kilda)

There’s been noise around Wilkie and the All-Australian potentially being disgruntled by the Saints’ big-money players for rival targets, compared to his modest wage. While it’s believed a lot of that narrative has been overblown, it’d be remiss of the Dogs to not pick up the phone and make a phone call to enquire about the star defender. And unless Wilkie, 29, is feeling great about the Saints’ direction, a move to Whitten Oval could give the 29-year old an immediate chance to contend for a premiership. Like Weitering, Wilkie would be a perfect addition to Beveridge’s back six. Contracted at the Saints for two more seasons.

Jack Buckley (GWS Giants)

As reliable as the day is long. Buckley has formed a potent key defensive combination with Sam Taylor at the Giants as the two key pieces of arguably the strongest back six in the league. The fact that GWS hasn’t yet locked away Buckley a 2026 restricted free agent, is interesting. And we know the salary cap is pretty tight at the Giants, though the big-money deals of Stephen Coniglio and Toby Greene are due to come off their books next year. No matter, it’s hard to see a world where the Giants would let go of Buckley, 27, particularly with Leek Aleer bound for St Kilda.

Nick Vlastuin (Richmond)

The triple-premiership Tiger has been a legit All-Australian contender this year as the cornerstone of Richmond’s defence, holding up superbly against bulk opposition inside 50s. More of a medium defender at 187cm, but as competitive as they come. The pitch from the Dogs would be pretty obvious. The 31-year old has been a great servant to the Tigers and given them everything, but he could still net the rebuilding club some value in a trade and finish off his career at a finals-caliber side, if not more. Not only did Vlastuin rank No. 5 in intercepts this year and No. 16 in rebound 50s, he also averaged 19.1 disposals per game. An unrestricted free agent next year.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 02: Nick Vlastuin of the Tigers looks on during the round 21 AFL match between Gold Coast Suns and Richmond Tigers at People First Stadium on August 02, 2025 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/via Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Jordan Ridley (Essendon)

Essendon’s horror injury toll has plagued the club’s 2025 season. But even prior to this year, Ridley has struggled to consistently stay on the park across eight AFL campaigns. That includes the 26-year old playing 10 and nine games respectively over the last two years. So is Ridley one who could be lured out of Tullamarine for a fresh start in hopes of getting his body right? Don’t forget Ridley won Essendon’s best and fairest in just his third AFL season in 2020. When he’s up and running, Ridley is one of the most versatile defenders in the competition and a gun interceptor. Contracted at the Bombers until 2029.

REALISTIC TARGETS

Jake Lever (Melbourne)

There’s been talk that Lever could be a name to watch over the trade period. The premiership Demon and All-Australian was reportedly left frustrated after being dropped earlier this year. Outside of a select few names, there’s not many Melbourne players you could confidently say will be there next year in what feels like a volatile environment, at least while the club works through its coaching appointment. Fair to say their players would want to know who’s coaching the club in 2026 as soon as possible to get a sense of the direction. Lever wasn’t quite at his best this year and disrupted by injury, but he’s still only 29 and could thrive in a new environment. Was the No. 1 ranked interceptor in the AFL in 2021 and 2023. Under contract at the Dees until 2028.

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 16th March, 2025 . AFL Round 1. Melbourne vs Greater Western Sydney Giants at the MCG . Jake Lever of the Demons . Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

Steven May (Melbourne)

Another player who could potentially use a change of scenery. May’s stint at the Demons has been rocky at times, despite the dual All-Australian being one of the club’s best ever trade additions including playing a pivotal role in that famous 2021 premiership. May turns 34 year next January, but is still a star on his day and has been durable over the last few years. A restricted free agent in 2026, so would surely be contemplating his future and whether he’s better served elsewhere to chase another flag now that Melbourne’s window appears shut.

Jack Silvagni (Carlton)

We know the Dogs are actively pursuing Silvagni, who’s expected to decide between the Kennel and Collingwood as his new home for 2026. The beauty of Silvagni is that because he’s a free agent, he’d cost nothing in a trade sense. The 27-year old has revitalised his career in defence and played a key role in the Blues having one of the stingiest back sixes in the league earlier this season. Injuries have curtailed Silvagni, who’s played 13 and 16 games respectively over the last two seasons, but he’s turned into a rock solid and reliable AFL player.

NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. 3rd April, 2025 . AFL Round 4. Collingwood vs Carlton at the MCG . Jack Silvagni of the Blues spoils over the top . Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

OTHER OPTIONS

Charlie Ballard (Gold Coast Suns)

A key pillar in the Suns’ defence in recent years including a career-best 2023 season when he ranked top 10 in the league in intercepts. Unfortunately Ballard suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Round 1, but the South Australian should be right to go for the start of 2026. Signed a four-year extension with the Suns at the end of last season that ties to the club until 2029. Would be brave to leave Damien Hardwick’s side with the trajectory it’s on.

Jordon Butts (Adelaide)

Squeezed out of minor premier Adelaide’s best 23 this year after at times establishing himself in Matthew Nicks’ side in recent years including playing 85 games since making his debut in 2020. The 25-year old, who grew up in Shepparton, feels gettable and the Crows surely wouldn’t stand in his way if he wanted to leave for more consistent senior opportunities. Set to be an restricted free agent next year.

Nathan Broad (Richmond)

Broad has long stayed fiercely loyal to the Tigers over the journey and throughout the recent slide. But like Vlasutin, Broad would be questioning if he’s going to play finals again. Though the triple-premiership defender ultimately might not care. Broad has admitted he considered a move to North Melbourne last year, while the 32-year old earlier this year said he plans to retire when his current contract expires at the end of 2026, with the lure of returning to Perth.

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