The trio of clubs that may look to secure the delisted Docker.
The Dockers have opted to off-load key forward Matthew Taberner in an off-season cutting spree, backing in Jye Amiss and Josh Treacy for the club’s future up forward.
The axing will have some clubs on alert, especially those lacking in the tall forward stocks.
With just nine senior matches in the past two seasons, Taberner’s nine goals aren’t anything to sell the farm for, but he has shown capability as a target, booting 89 goals from 45 games for the Dockers between 2020 and 2022.
A number of veteran sides in the premiership window have a spot to be filled for a second or third tall forward and may opt for an established product over a developing youngster to help get them over the hump.
Here are three clubs with potentially the most to gain from adding the 31-year-old to their list…
1. Collingwood
The Pies have shifted from a club not wanting for much to a club desperate for more in the space of 12 months.
Clearly there is a need to secure young talent at Collingwood to rally behind Nick Daicos, but as has been discussed for years on end now, they need key forward depth.
The Magpies have shown you don’t need a top dog of the competition at full forward to reach the pinnacle, but you need a fighter, and a serious injury to Brody Mihocek toward the end of 2024 robbed the Pies of their sole fighter up forward.
If they are looking to rinse and repeat what they achieved in 2023, they’ll need another competitor behind Mihocek and Dan McStay to play a role ahead of Billy Frampton and Ash Johnson; the key forward candidates currently being relied on at Collingwood.
2. Melbourne
Like Collingwood, if Melbourne still think they are capable of grand success in 2025, they need more experience in their key-forward brigade.
Tom McDonald’s days as a forward are past him, and the club are no longer relying on Ben Brown for the bulk of their scoreboard production.
It remains unknown who will take the second-fiddle mantle behind Jacob Van Rooyen for the near future at Melbourne; Daniel ‘Disco’ Turner looks rather capable, but there may be connection struggles with such a young pair of key forwards.
Perhaps an experienced campaigner is what the Dees need to thrive up forward like they did in September of 2021.
3. Brisbrane
An alternative option, but plausible if Eric Hipwood finds a home down back with an off-season of training.
Constant speculation surrounding their backup key defender role behind Harris Andrews may force Brisbane’s hand with a permanent move for Hipwood to defence, which would open a spot up forward.
Logan Morris has shown real promise as a tall target in his debut season, though 2025 is likely too soon for the 19-year-old to play second fiddle behind Joe Daniher. Being a capable hybrid, Morris may develop into the third target at the Lions anyway.
Taberner is a relatively accurate shot at goal and may be the start to solving Brisbane’s goal-kicking woes should they look to secure him.
