Macrae wants out: another big-name Bulldog seeks trade

Western Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae is said to have told the club he wants a new AFL home. (Rob Prezioso/AAP PHOTOS)

Jack Macrae is set to join Western Bulldogs teammate Bailey Smith in seeking a new AFL home.

The day after Smith confirmed months of speculation that he would nominate for the upcoming trade period, it's emerged Macrae also wants to leave Whitten Oval.

Macrae, a 2016 premiership player and three-time All-Australian midfielder, is contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of 2027.

It follows a challenging season for Macrae, who had a pre-season hamstring injury and did not return to the AFL until round four.

He played 19 senior games, four of them as the substitute.

The Bulldogs were not commenting late on Tuesday about media reports flagging Macrae's trade wish.

There is no immediate word as well about his preferred destination.

Also on Tuesday, the Bulldogs announced a two-year deal for defender Buku Khamis.

Meanwhile, Irishman Mark Keane has signed a fresh contract with Adelaide, rejecting offers from rival clubs including Collingwood.

The Magpies made a strong pitch for Keane to rejoin Collingwood, where he started his AFL career and spent the 2020 and '21 seasons.

After staying in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic and missing the 2022 AFL season, Keane was signed by Adelaide as a pre-season supplemental selection.

Keane played five games for the Crows last year after a limited pre-season but featured in 21 matches this year and impressed in a key defensive role, averaging almost 17 disposals and more than five marks a game.

At Adelaide Keane had been on a low-base contract, which expired at the end of next season.

But with Collingwood lurking, the Crows offered the 24-year-old a fresh deal.

Adelaide have fended off interest from rival clubs to keep Mark Keane.

Crows list manager Justin Reid said Keane is now one of their most important players.

"We couldn’t be more pleased with what Mark has brought to our club over the past two seasons," Reid said.

"He is a great teammate and a ruthless competitor, and this year took his game to a new level as a key member of our backline.

"We see him as an important part of our future and are obviously thrilled that he’s extended his contract with us until 2028."

In his two years at Adelaide, Keane said he had settled well into the club and the city.

"I feel like I’ve come a long way and taken my opportunities and hopefully there is a lot of improvement to come in the next four years, so I can’t wait to get back to work with my teammates in pre-season," he said.

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