THE Western Bulldogs have inquired about out-of-contract Gold Coast ruckman Tom Nicholls.

The Herald Sun can reveal Nicholls, 24, has emerged as a possible trade target after the Dogs’ attempt to prise Matthew Lobbe out of Port Adelaide fell over last October.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge coached Nicholls’ brother Pat in 2008 — the year St Bedes Mentone won the A-Grade VAFA premiership.’

But the rise of Beveridge’s own big men this season could diminish their interest, with Tom Campbell grabbing the No. 1 ruck mantle and expected to recommit before the end of the season.

Before Campbell’s return from an ankle injury, Jordan Roughead and Tom Boyd enjoyed a productive ruck partnership with veteran Will Minson unable to break out of the VFL.

Accurate power forward Jack Redpath also hit form last week, booting three goals in the win against Adelaide.

The athletic Nicholls — a Sandringham product of Fijian heritage — will return to the Suns’ side on Saturday after spending a fortnight in the reserves.

It is believed Nicholls’ preference is to remain at the Suns, although talks of an extension have not progressed from the preliminary stage.

The Suns rate Nicholls highly and view him as their long-term ruckman after offloading Zac Smith to Geelong last year and delisting Daniel Gorringe (Carlton).

The Bulldogs are not the only club to ask about his future and discussions about a move would only gain momentum if there is a roadblock at the Suns.

media_camera Out of favour Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson in action at Whitten Oval. Picture: Michael Klein

Nicholls’ hitout work has been questioned but after 34 games his Champion Data numbers for impact around the ground compare favourably with the AFL’s best ruckmen.

He has Max Gawn, Nic Naitanui, Todd Goldstein, Stefan Martin, Aaron Sandilands and Shane Mumford covered for contested possessions, clearances, disposals and tackles at the same point of their careers.

Nicholls is averaging an impressive 4.2 tackles and 12.1 disposals per game, but has only five career goals to his name.

He is expected to hit his prime in coming seasons and is developing into a valuable modern-day ruckman in the Martin mould.

Nicholls also fits Beveridge’s age profile nicely, with the Dogs appearing to dodge a bullet in missing out on Lobbe.

The Bulldogs were also linked to Martin last year, but the Brisbane Lions refused to entertain trade talks with their club champion.