It's understood the Dogs could have secured pick 11 from Essendon but the Bombers used this on Greater Western Sydney forward Devon Smith. The Bombers have selections 24 and 29 left or could offer a future second-round selection. It seems unfathomable Stringer, contracted for 2018 on more than $500,000, and the Dogs could make up, but Bulldogs director of football Chris Grant said that may yet be the case. "We met with Jake's management a number of weeks ago and mutually agreed to explore options about where Jake may play in 2018. We'll continue to have discussions with the relevant parties but as it stands, Jake's a Bulldogs player and there's every chance that Jake will be a Bulldogs player in 2018," he said. Grant was also moved on Saturday to appear on the Dogs' website and clarify his club's complicated list management committee which, as Fairfax Media revealed this month, will be reconfigured once this trade period is over. The committee comprises Grant, list manager Jason McCartney, recruiting manager Simon Dalrymple, coach Luke Beveridge and general manager of AFL operations Chris Maple. Grant said the committee would continue to have "robust" discussions this week, but he will have the final say. He said from "time to time" chief executive Gary Kent and president Peter Gordon attended the meetings and were given an "update".

The Dogs have had a successful trade period so far, securing defender Jackson Trengove from Port Adelaide and Fremantle's Hayden Crozier. Meanwhile, Geelong forward Daniel Menzel has been offered a one-year deal by the Cats but he and his manager Adam Ramanauskas are chasing at least a two-year contract for the unrestricted free agent. He has until close of business on Sunday to switch clubs via free agency, for restricted and unrestricted free agency closes at 5pm. Menzel, should no deal be done, could still be traded by the Cats by Thursday's 2pm trade deadline but it would be more difficult for him to find a suitor. We'll continue to have discussions with the relevant parties but as it stands, Jake's a Bulldogs player and there's every chance that Jake will be a Bulldogs player in 2018. - Western Bulldogs director of football Chris Grant Menzel would also have the option of entering the draft. As of Saturday, the Cats were unaware of any potential move.

Ramanauskas has said there had been interest from rival clubs in the sharp-shooter but whether they "pull the trigger" was another question. If there is no offer, it's understood he would be happy to return to the Cats, who have a busy week ahead, with a deal for Gary Ablett yet to be brokered. Menzel has booted 73 goals in 37 matches over the past two seasons but his defensive play contributed to him being dropped for this year's qualifying final against Richmond. Cats list manager Stephen Wells and Gold Coast counterpart Scott Clayton met on Friday, and are set to resume negotiations over Ablett on Monday. It's understood the Cats have given Clayton a handful of names who would be prepared to head north in exchange for Ablett. However, it's understood this list does not include any top-tier talent, rather they are mid-to-lower-end talent seeking greater opportunity. The Suns have made it clear the Cats would have to take on most, if not all, of this player's salary.

Negotiations were put on hold over the weekend out of respect for the Ablett family, which is dealing with the death of Gary's sister, Natasha. Steven Motlop has officially joined Port Adelaide after the Cats declined to match the Power's offer for the restricted free agent. Motlop, who was pursued by six clubs, has signed a four-year deal. The AFL announced that due to Motlop's age and the nature of the contract, Geelong would receive an end of first round compensation selection, currently 19 overall. This was better than the expected pick of No.35. The Cats may yet use this extra pick to snare Stringer if he cannot get a deal done with Essendon, while it also puts them back in the frame for Jack Watts should the Melbourne forward not find his way to Port Adelaide. Watts is expected to nominate the Power as his preferred destination. Geelong's head of football Simon Lloyd said the speedy Motlop had been "a creative and dynamic player" who had helped the Cats reach the finals seven times. The manager of Brisbane Lion Josh Schache remains hopeful the Victorian will be able to head home by the trade deadline. The former No.2 draft pick has been at the centre of a reported spat between the Lions and Richmond. The Lions have claimed the Tigers, while seeking to secure Schache through the year, contributed to his poor form, a claim the Tigers deny.

His manager David Trotter said he had no problems with how the clubs had conducted themselves but hoped Schache, who has suffered from homesickness, could return to Victoria. "Obviously, his preference is to come home but, as he's contracted, if nothing happens he will head back up there," Trotter said. The Suns continue to work towards a deal with Essendon for half-back Adam Saad. His manager Marty Pask has declared Saad will join the Bombers, and the Suns also see that deal going through, possibly in exchange for a second-round pick this year or next year.