Buku Khamis Carlton interest as Jack Silvagni leaves Blues, rival clubs circling Bobby Hill

Jack Silvagni’s desire to join a rival club has Carlton keen on a Bulldog to bolster its defence.

Plus why interest in a Norm Smith Medallist is expected to “ramp up” in coming weeks.

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BLUES ‘REALLY INTERESTED’ IN FRINGE BULLDOG

Carlton has “increased their interest” in fringe Western Bulldogs utility Buku Khamis as the club braces for Jack Silvagni’s exit to a rival club, according to Herald Sun reporter Scott Gullan.

Silvagni last week told Carlton he’d like to exercise his free agency rights and move on from the Blues, with the Bulldogs, Saints and Magpies all keen suitors for the versatile defender.

It’s led to renewed attention from the Blues towards Khamis, who’s played just 41 games in seven seasons on the Bulldogs’ list.

Speaking on Fox Footy’s Midweek Tackle, Gullan said Khamis was “one to watch” this trade period – despite being contracted to the Dogs until 2026 – as he’d “fallen out of favour with Luke Beveridge”.

“He showed a bit of promise as an intercepting defender. This was a year where we seemed to think he was coming along – and then he fell out of favour,” Gullan told Midweek Tackle.

Pies & Dogs in fight for Silvagni | 01:39

“He’s contracted for another year. I know for a fact he was on the Blues’ whiteboard and they’ve increased their interest with the obvious Silvagni going and they need help for (Jacob) Weitering – and they think this kid’s got a bit more promise.

“There’s going to be a lot of magnets. The Bulldogs have to deal with their own defensive issues and clearly Buku isn’t the one they’re looking at, so ‘see you later’ potentially.”

Fellow Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph added: “I think they’ve met him (Khamis) as well, they’re really interested in him.”

It looms as a busy off-season for the Blues, who are also losing ruck Tom De Koning to St Kilda and have told midfielder-forward Elijah Hollands to explore his options. They’ve publicly and privately shut down any potential trade for superstar forward Charlie Curnow, who’s met with Swans coach Dean Cox and has also been linked to Gold Coast and Geelong.

At the Dogs, contracted forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan looks incredibly unlikely to be listed with the club next season given his ongoing personal issues and links to a fresh start elsewhere.

A number of long-time Bulldogs remain out of contract for 2026, most namely Adam Treloar, who only 12 months ago was an All-Australian. Veterans Jason Johannisen and Liam Jones are no guarantee to go around again, nor are Oskar Baker and Anthony Scott.

CURIOUS RIVALS CIRCLING PIES STAR

Non-Victorian clubs are circling Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill as his chances of featuring in Collingwood’s 2025 finals campaign seem slim, according to 9 News chief football reporter Tom Morris.

Hill has played just one half of senior footy across the past three months and one managed game in the VFL. He missed Collingwood’s final big session on Tuesday due to family reasons ahead of its qualifying final against Adelaide on Thursday night.

It’s led to a level of uncertainty around Hill’s future, despite the small forward signing a four-year extension earlier this year.

Speaking on Footy Classified on Tuesday night, Morris reported rival club interest in Hill would likely ramp up in the coming weeks.

“Clubs are looking at Bobby Hill now, non-Victorian clubs – and I’m not talking about West Coast or Fremantle here either – and wondering if they can pry him out of Collingwood,” Morris told Channel 9.

Hill 'doesn't deserve to play' Finals | 01:33

“Collingwood, I think, publicly would say: ‘No chance. He’s a Norm Smith medallist, he’s recently re-signed.’

“But it won’t stop these clubs from trying at the end of the year, just because it’s been an unstable year for the Magpies and Bobby Hill in general. There’s been some frustrations towards him, but equally he’s been going through a bit as well.

“I think these conversations will ramp up towards the end of the year. I believe Bobby wants to stay himself, but that won’t stop clubs having a go.

“His manager has also been away for a while, so expect Anthony McConville to get some calls when he comes back from overseas.”

Hill has played 102 AFL games – 41 for the Giants and 61 for the Magpies – since being drafted in late 2018.

He famously kicked 4.2 from 18 disposals and eight marks in Collingwood’s thrilling 2023 premiership triumph, which saw him win the Norm Smith Medal.

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