West Coast confirms pursuit of AFL rivals Miers and Rivers
Heading into the AFL trade period, West Coast list manager Matthew Clarke confirmed to AFL Trade Radio that the club has approached rival management groups regarding Gryan Miers and Trent Rivers while awaiting a decision from Jack Viney. The developments arrive as clubs map out list acquisitions for the 2027 season, balancing player contract statuses against list needs.
Clarke stated on Friday that the club aims to bolster its front half and increase scoring power and connection.
Matthew Clarke Confirms Pursuit of Rivers and Miers Amid Contract Hurdles
The pursuit of Miers faces significant roadblocks as the forward remains tied to Geelong. James Pitcher, manager for Miers, reiterated the 27-year-old’s commitment to the Cats. Miers is contracted for a further two years after managing 17 senior games this year while battling a complex ACL injury.
Clarke acknowledged the current contractual stance during his AFL Trade Radio appearance. “Earlier in the year, as most clubs do when guys are out of the team for various reasons, (Pitcher) is pretty strong that Gryan is keen to stay at Geelong,” Clarke said. “He’s a very loyal guy, really enjoys it there; he’s contracted for another couple of years. I think that’s where that sits at the moment with Geelong. I don’t expect a lot of movement there, to be fair, but we’re obviously trying to bolster the front half to increase our scoring power and connection.”
Attention has also turned to Trent Rivers, a 2021 premiership player for Melbourne. Rivers played 17 senior games this year under first-year senior coach Steven King, following three consecutive seasons of 23 or more appearances, with injury contributing to his reduced output.
Clarke identified the 25-year-old as an ideal fit given his age profile and Western Australian roots. “Trent is a WA boy; he’s played some pretty good footy for the Demons over the years; he’s a premiership player, he can add to our mix with his age profile as a 25-year-old,” Clarke said. “There’s a bit to play out. Trent’s a free agent at the end of next year, so there’s a little bit to work through with that.”
Jack Viney Decision Expected Next Week After Perth Visit
West Coast expects to learn the intentions of Melbourne veteran Jack Viney next week as the midfielder evaluates interest from Essendon alongside the Eagles’ presentation. Viney recently spent several days in Perth meeting with club officials.
“Obviously it’s well-documented that Jack has been over in Perth for a few days, so a bit more of a presentation to him about us to be fair,” Clarke said. “We’re trying to sell what he can offer to us as a group, as a footy club and as a playing list. Jack’s back in Melbourne, the Demons have got their best and fairest tonight so I’m sure he’ll take a little bit of time to assess what he’s been through the last few days.”
Clarke noted that discussions could resume early next week once Melbourne concludes its best and fairest event. Regarding Sydney’s Chad Warner, who is a free agent next year and has been linked to a return to Western Australia following fallout from the Pullman Hotel scandal, Clarke stated that West Coast does not expect movement. Management indicated that Warner remains a required player who is happy in Sydney, though the club performed due diligence on recent scenarios.
On the possibility of pursuing former Magpie and Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill, Clarke ruled it out as a priority. While acknowledging Hill’s efforts to get fit, Clarke stated that a pursuit is unlikely, though clubs routinely contact management groups to ask questions.
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