Retired Richmond premiership player Nathan Broad is reportedly considering a return to the AFL. Fremantle has been identified as a potential destination.
The 33-year-old finished his career after the Tigers’ Round 23 match against St Kilda. Now, he is exploring a comeback as the Dockers look to bolster their defensive depth following an injury to captain Alex Pearce.
Broad is weighing a return to professional football less than two months after announcing his retirement. According to SEN’s Sam Edmund, Broad has expressed a "real interest" in continuing his career at Fremantle.
While Broad had initially planned to relocate to Western Australia following his final game for Richmond in Round 23, his ongoing training program suggests he remains prepared for a return to the league.
Fremantle Targets Defensive Depth
The interest from Fremantle aligns with the club’s current defensive needs.
Captain Alex Pearce is facing a significant recovery period due to a partially torn Achilles, and Brennan Cox struggled with fitness during the latter stages of the season.
Broad, a durable defender who played 21 matches in his final season, offers versatility as a one-on-one stopper capable of playing against both tall and small forwards.
Adelaide Enters Pursuit of Jack Bowes
Geelong utility Jack Bowes has attracted interest from a third club. Adelaide has reportedly joined Essendon and North Melbourne in the pursuit of the 28-year-old.
Bowes, who is out of contract, played nine senior games for the Cats this year after previously featuring in 21 matches during the 2025 season. A former Gold Coast player, Bowes joined Geelong in 2022.
As his current contract expires, he is surveying his options to secure more consistent senior playing time.
The Crows are reportedly considering him as a potential attacking option, following his performance in the forward half for Geelong, where he kicked 7.6 across his nine appearances this year.
Giants Demand First-Rounder for Whitfield
GWS Giants half-back Lachie Whitfield has emerged as a trade target for Carlton and Melbourne. The Giants are reportedly seeking a first-round draft pick in exchange for the veteran.
GWS is aiming to prioritize early draft selections before next year’s draft is monopolised by Tasmania.
Journalist Mitch Cleary reported on Channel Seven that Whitfield is currently evaluating his potential future with either the Blues or the Demons.
The Giants, who currently hold picks 7 and 28, are looking to regenerate their list and are preparing for an early bid on Academy prospect Ethan Matthews. A deal involving a first-round pick, whether from this year’s draft or the next, is considered the likely threshold to facilitate the move.
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