Essendon coy on Lions move on injured big man Sam Draper: ‘News to me'
The Lions are expected to snare both Draper and West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen in what is set to be a bumper free agency period for the defending premiers.
Draper is an unrestricted free agent, meaning Essendon have no power in halting a move away.
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Allen is a restricted free agent, but with West Coast set to receive pick No.2 as compensation for losing him, it is highly unlikely they will match Brisbane's bid.
Essendon (6-12) have endured a season from hell, with a raft of injuries forcing them to field a record-equalling 13 debutants this year.
Draper is among the walking wounded at the Bombers, with the star ruckman ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in round six.
The 26-year-old South Australian was also reportedly weighing up a switch to Adelaide, but that appears unlikely after the Crows re-signed ruckman Reilly O'Brien for a further three years.
It leaves Brisbane in the box seat to land Draper - not that Scott has heard much about it.
'That's news to me, and I'd like to think that I would know before most,' Scott said on Wednesday.
'We're in constant dialogue. I've been really clear all year about supporting Drapes in terms of his decision-making process.
'He's got a big call to make. He loves Essendon and loves the opportunity he got here.'
When asked about any doubts he may have about Draper choosing to stay, Scott was pragmatic.
'Well any player who's out of contract coming into August, there'd always be a question mark,' he said.
'But we won't be putting undue pressure on Drapes. He'll take as long as he needs to make his call.
'He's a much-loved member of our club and personally I'd love him to stay, and he knows that.'
Essendon currently have 16 players on their injury list ahead of Saturday's clash with Sydney at the SCG.
Jordan Ridley was the latest newcomer to that list, with the defender ruled out for four weeks after injuring his hamstring in last week's 93-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.
It marks the third time Ridley has been cut down by a hamstring injury this year.
'It's not a true recurrence of the previous injury, but it's another hamstring injury,' Scott said.
'It's incredibly frustrating for him and for us. We really feel for him. All we can do now is go back to the drawing board.
'We're just determined to get him right. He's an important part of our long-term future, and we'll make whatever investment we need to get him right.'
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