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A Brownlow-winning veteran may play on, NRL beckons for code-switcher, and Vince looking south
Black may be back
The Australian reports that the Brisbane Lions have left the decision on the playing future of Simon Black solely up to the veteran himself.
A chronic knee problem had been expected to end the glittering career of the Lions' games record-holder but the club won't be forcing Black into retirement, with a senior official telling The Australian on Sunday: "It's his decision."
Skipper Jonathan Brown has already agreed to play on next season under new coach, premiership teammate Justin Leppitsch.
Black, who will turn 35 on April 3, played only eight games this year, including just one of the last nine rounds.
If the 322-gamer plays on, it will provide the Lions with a much-needed boost, given five young players – Billy Longer, Elliot Yeo, Jared Polec, Dam Docherty and Patrick Karnezis – want to be traded.
Only ruckman Longer is a chance to stay with the club after being offered a new two-year contract.
Docherty is favoured to join Carlton, Karnezis appears bound for Collingwood, Polec will be traded to Adelaide or Port Adelaide, and Yeo will play for West Coast or Fremantle.
NRL bid for Hunt
Gold Coast code-hopper Karmichael Hunt is expected to receive a lucrative offer to return to the NRL, according to The Sunday Mail.
Hunt, 25, will be out of contract with the Suns at the end of next season and former Brisbane Broncos teammate Justin Hodges has pleaded with his close mate to quit the AFL and help him return the Broncos to success.
The Suns are expected to fight hard to retain Hunt.
"Everyone knows the type of player Karmichael was (at the Broncos), but he is still young enough to come back and be a success again in rugby league," Hodges told The Sunday Mail.
"He's been to rugby and AFL, he's had a good crack at those sports and he's an outstanding athlete. But I think home for him has always been rugby league and it would be great for the Broncos if he came back.
"There are rumours around he could come back and I hope the Broncos show interest because he made his name at our club."
Vince is Victoria-bound
Contracted Adelaide midfielder Bernie Vince is being courted by three Victorian clubs, according to The Advertiser.
While Vince flew out for a holiday in the United States on Sunday, the 28-year-old has piqued the interest of Melbourne, North Melbourne and Essendon.
The Crows' 2009 club champion is seeking a two-year contract extension from Adelaide to secure his future to the end of 2016, but his manager Justin Reid said on the weekend "that's not going to be the case".
The Advertiser reports that the Demons could offer Vince a lucrative four-year deal to the end of 2017.
Vince might appeal as a trade option for the Crows, who are keen to improve their draft position after being punished last year over negotiations with Kurt Tippett. Vince could also walk for nothing next year as a free agent.
The Advertiser believes Melbourne could offer pick 20 for Vince, while Essendon could do a straight swap with key forward Scott Gumbleton and North Melbourne would likely need to offer more than its pick 26.
Gumbleton wants to be a Docker
Fairfax Media reports that Essendon forward Scott Gumbleton has expressed a desire to play for Fremantle next year, as the West Australian weighs up offers to gain more senior opportunities.
The Dockers are still assessing whether the injury-prone 25-year-old would be worth the risk. Adelaide and Port Adelaide are also believed to have signalled their interest.
Essendon wants a second-round draft pick in return for Gumbleton, who played just seven games this year despite being relatively injury-free.
Polec could decide this week
Brisbane Lions youngster Jared Polec could this week nominate the South Australian club of his choice, The Advertiser reports.
The Lions want a player in return but the newspaper reports that neither Adelaide or Port Adelaide has found a player agreeable to a move.
Polec's manager Justin Reid says his 20-year-old client is "very open-minded" and "he'll be happy at either side", but if talks don't progress by mid-week Polec would choose one club for the Lions to deal with.
