Two former AFL stars are in agreement that it’s time for Buku Khamis to move on from the Western Bulldogs.
Khamis, 23, made just one feature at the top level in 2023 but played out a solid season in the VFL, kicking 41 goals from 18 games.
The key forward has only 10 AFL appearances to his name since joining the Western Bulldogs as a category B rookie in 2019.
Goalkicking talls don’t grow on trees and Khamis would have suitors to move should he request a trade, with Collingwood and North Melbourne understood to have previously indicated interest.
Given Khamis is stuck behind the likes of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Aaron Naughton – two walkup starts in the Dogs’ best 22 – and Rory Lobb, Jenkins believes the talented Bulldog should look for a new home this trade period.
“The Dogs are wedded to Ugle-Hagan and Naughton inside 50,” Jenkins began on AFL Trade Radio’s The Late Trade.
“Lobb probably has to play, he probably has to be going terribly not to play. So therefore, Khamis becomes your fourth forward. I don’t know if that’s the right situation for him.
“I don’t know if his future is down back… so when it comes to what he should do, if I’m Buku Khamis, I’m going, I’m on the move.”
Davis, one of the best key defenders of his generation, added that Khamis’ height makes him an awkward proposition to squeeze into Luke Beveridge’s side.
“I just don’t see a forward line structure that gets him in their side unless something dramatic happens with a Rory Lobb or an Aaron Naughton because Ugle-Hagan, Naughton, Lobb and (Sam) Darcy are four players they all want in the team,” the former Giant added.
“Maybe Darcy goes down back btu he’s also played forward… but any time you’ve got Ugle-Hagan, Naughton, Lobb in your forward line with Tim English in the ruck, there’s no space for a 191cm player in that group, not with how the modern game is played.
“Cody Weightman as the fourth forward and then Laitham Vandermeer and the likes on the edges. I just don’t think you can carry a 191cm player int at forward line.
“I just think 191cms in the modern game as a forward particularly is a very awkward size.”
The majority of Khamis’ AFL appearances came in 2022 when he managed eight, playing a combination of both behind the ball and inside forward 50.
Khamis doesn't have a contract beyond 2023 and is currently weighing up his options.