Phil Gould says potential Lachie Galvin move will not destabilise Bulldogs
A defiant Phil Gould has insisted Lachlan Galvin's looming arrival at Canterbury will not destabilise the Bulldogs, adamant it is not a make-or-break moment.
Galvin remains a chance to be released from Wests Tigers as early as this week, potentially paving the way for him to play in blue and white after their bye.
ABC Sport is live blogging every round of the AFL and NRL seasons in 2025.
ABC Sport is live blogging every round of the AFL and NRL seasons in 2025.
The fallout from the Galvin saga has already begun, with questions over off-contract halfback Toby Sexton's future.
Gould also confirmed on Monday night that hooker Reed Mahoney has been given permission to test the market, despite being signed until the end of 2026.
Canterbury view Bailey Hayward as a long-term talent, with the utility able to play hooker and having already deputised in the halves this season.
For Galvin's arrival to be secured, both the Bulldogs and Tigers will need to agree on a six-figure transfer fee given the teenager is contracted until the end of next year.
It is also believed that Galvin will need to address legal claims that he was bullied while at the Tigers, after social media backlash following his decision not to re-sign.
Questions remain over where Galvin will fit into the table-topping Dogs' team if the move comes to fruition after the club's best start to a season in 23 years.
Regardless, Gould insisted that Galvin's arrival would not cause animosity from other players if he was to take their spot.
"No. None at all. That's the least of my worries," Gould said on the Nine Network's 100% Footy.
"I don't think anyone denies he is a talent. And you win premierships with talented players. It's my responsibility to get talented players into the club.
"I think it will create great competition, that's what it'll create if he turns up.
"He's got talent. Why wouldn't you want a talented player at your football club? And why wouldn't the other players want talent at their football club? They do."
If Galvin does land at Canterbury before next Tuesday, he would be available to face Parramatta, the club he met with, in the King's Birthday public holiday clash.
Gould indicated one option for Galvin could still be the back row, with the Bulldogs facing a forwards shortage through a spate of suspensions and injuries.
There is the potential he could replace Sexton in the halves, or potentially pair up with the off-contract halfback if Matt Burton was moved elsewhere.
Burton has previously won a premiership at left centre for Penrith, while it has also been suggested the playmaker could be a weapon at fullback.
Either of those moves could leave centre Bronson Xerri or fullback Connor Tracey out of the team, depending on how the backline reshuffle would take place.
"(Where he plays) will be up to the coaching staff. How he comes in and how he trains. How he gets along with the group team-wise," Gould said.
"The more depth you've got in the club, the more talented players you've got, the better."
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