Kane Cornes is struggling to believe reports out of Essendon that they want a first-round pick for key defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher.
The young key defender was serviceable for the Bombers in 2023 and has requested a move to Port Adelaide in this year’s trade period.
The Herald Sun is reporting that Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro has asked the Power for a first-round pick for Zerk-Thatcher, something that has baffled Cornes.
“Of all the dumb things I’ve heard in the last couple of days … Essendon wanting a first-round pick for Zerk-Thatcher,” Cornes told AFL Trade Radio.
“’Adrian Dodoro is going to make a splash in his last trade period and wants a first-round pick for Zerk-Thatcher’ – he’s not worth a fifth-round pick!”
Bulldogs great Brad Johnson agrees, rating Zerk-Thatcher as worth a pick in the 40s.
“If he wants that, that’s great, but he’s not going to get that in reality,” Johnson added.
“In all seriousness, I think it’s an end of second, early third round pick.”
Port Adelaide will attempt to land Zerk-Thatcher, Esava Ratugolea and Jordon Sweet in this year’s trade period.