Fremantle have not ruled out landing Melbourne star Jesse Hogan ahead of this week’s trade deadline, despite Peter Bell’s public declaration the Dockers were halting their “due diligence process”.

It is understood Fremantle’s bombshell statement on Friday was prompted by an effective ultimatum from the Demons — for the Dockers to accept Melbourne’s terms or walk away. Fremantle chose to stand their ground and walk.

There are still four days of negotiations remaining before Wednesday’s 5.30pm (WA time) trade deadline and the Dockers remain open minded on Hogan, 23, if the Dees soften their stance.

Fremantle have become the target of criticism because they have chased Hogan throughout his career and also because the saga could hold up or prevent other trades from going through.

Some industry sources believe the Dockers have become emboldened by their stunning Lachie Weller trade heist with Gold Coast in the final hour of last year’s trade period, when the Suns eventually rolled over and gave up pick 2.

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Fremantle will also attempt to seal a deal for Greater Western Sydney big man Rory Lobb without having to give up their pick 11, which they got as part of a pick swap with Port Adelaide.

West Coast still appear well-placed to get trade target Tim Kelly from Geelong, but the Eagles are becoming frustrated as negotiations drag on.

It is understood the Cats have turned down multiple different offers from West Coast this week. Geelong have not enquired about any Eagles players and are only interested in boosting their draft hand.

Camera Icon Jesse Hogan has been at the centre of trade period attention. Credit: Getty Images

“We’ve got a bit of work to do with Geelong,” West Coast football operations manager Craig Vozzo told 6PR yesterday.

“They haven’t actually told us (what they want), other than what we’ve read in the paper.”

One source yesterday described the Kelly situation as a “stand-off”, although negotiations are expected to continue without the bitterness that clouds some other potential moves.

Vozzo ruled out dangling promising key forward Jarrod Brander, 19, as a carrot to break the impasse, saying the Geelong product would “absolutely not” be part of any Kelly deal.

“We’ve looked at some pick swaps. Jarrod is contracted to our club for the next three years,” Vozzo said. “We made a commitment to him quite a long time ago and he won’t be considered in any of this.”

Brander, taken with pick 13 in last year’s national draft, played one game in his debut season and is viewed as a potential long-term successor to spearhead Josh Kennedy.