AFL whirlwind: The latest in player and coach movements

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AFL Whirlwind
Frawley set to become Hawk

Melbourne's James Frawley is expected to link up with back-to-back AFL premiers Hawthorn when the free agency window opens on Friday.

Hawthorn appears to have beaten main rival Geelong in the race to sign Frawley, which triggered rumours the Demon's arrival could force veteran Hawks defedner Brian Lake into retirement.    

Howvere Lake, who has won a flag in each of his two years at Hawthorn, signed a one-year contract extension for 2015 later on Thursday, further bolstering Alastair Clarkson's experienced backline.


James Frawley wants to join premiers Hawthorn as free agent. Photo: Getty

Is Brendan McCartney safe at the Western Bulldogs?

Dogs CEO Simon Garlick, speaking on Trade Radio, watered down rumours that McCartney's tenure is under threat.

Garlick claimed there was no unrest among the playing group despite some tough season reviews

Although his statement did not categorically rule out a parting of ways.

"Very much looking forward to a big 2015, with the coach and the coaching staff," he said.

Hird appeals Federal Court decision
 
Hird lodged papers with the Federal Court on Thursday against the decision by Justice Middleton last month that the joint investigation by AFL and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority was legal.

Fairfax reported that Essendon, in response to Hird's decision, had sacked the beleaguered coach following a mid-morning board meeting at Tullamarine.

However the Bombers later revealed they will reconvene in the coming days to consider Hird's position.

Hird remains coach for now, but 2014 fill-in Mark Thompson looms large.

The Geelong premiership coach on Wednesday night declared he would not be undertaking an assistant role next year, and could potentially have the choice of the Essendon or Gold Coast senior coaching jobs. Bomber really is sitting pretty. 
 
Harley heading back to club land

Geelong's former dual AFL premiership-winning captain Tom Harley was been appointed Sydney Swans general manger-football.

Harley starts his new job on November 3 and replaces Dean Moore, who has stepped down after five years.

Harley finished his 198-game AFL career as a premiership captain in 2009, and has since held a number of key posts at AFL NSW/ACT, including that of general manager.

Most recently he featured as a commentator with Channel Seven's Friday night match coverage.
 
Swan requests trade

Sydney's Tim Membrey has asked for a trade after just two seasons at the club.

Adam Goodes has reportedly decided to play on next year, which has apparently convinced the young forward to look for another club.

The 188cm goalkicker is expected to meet with several clubs in the next two days about a move home to Victoria.

He played just one game with the Swans in 2014.


Tim Membrey will appeal to a Victorian club in the market for a young key forward. Photo: Getty

Ashcroft tries to clear the air

Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft defended the time it took for the Suns to sack Guy McKenna.

He told Trade Radio the club didn't want to make decisions on a whim.

Ashcroft also claimed Gold Coast had made no approach to Mark Thompson about taking the reins.

He also reported the Suns were seriously keen on Swans free agent Nick Malceski.

Saad desperate for another gallop 

Suspended former St Kilda footballer Ahmed Saad also went on Trade Radio.

His suspension, for inadvertently taking a banned protein powder, expires in February, but he is eligible to be picked up in the national, pre-season or rookie drafts and can start training with a new club from January 1.

Saad has had no commitment from any club yet. But he reckons his fitness will be better than AFL standard.


The Saints are in talks with banned forward Ahmed Saad. Photo: Getty



 
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