10 AFL Players Who Could Join GWS | Thebigtip

There's a lot of rumours about current AFL players heading to Greater Western Sydney next year, with Melbourne's Tom Scully heading the list. It shouldn't be forgotten Gold Coast managed to recruit eight AFL-listed players last year, so there will be some familiar names heading up to Sydney's west next year. Here's 10 players who could be tempted to Kevin Sheedy's side.

Rhys Palmer (Fremantle)
The 2008 AFL Rising Star award winner is a player who some people in the know are claiming has already signed with the Giants. The tough in-and-under on-baller has been in and out of the Dockers' side in 2011 and there's some suggestions that's due to his pre-determined defection, although he has struggled to re-discover his debut season form after a knee reconstruction in 2009 which may have contributed. Palmer is short on pace, but knows how to find the ball and would be a useful pick-up for the Giants.

Taylor Walker (Adelaide)
The Broken Hill-product has been tipped by many to be set to head back to New South Wales after a frustrating time at the Crows. The talented goal-sneak - like Palmer – has been in and out of his side in 2011, although he too has had his form issues, with his lack of forward pressure identified as something he needs to work on. He also had an infamous mid-strength beer whilst watching an SANFL game which caused a stir. Walker could be a sensational player but may need a move to get his head right to capitalise on his enormous potential. Mybe heading to his native state could do just that.

Tom Scully (Melbourne)
There's been plenty said and written about the 2009 number one draft pick following his decision to put off contract talks with the Demons until the end of the season. Scully's party say it's to enable him a better bargaining position for a new contract, although it's strange they'd commit to a date rather than be flexible, which has prompted many to believe he's already heading to GWS with a big-money deal on offer. He's far from the finished product but looks a pretty good player and at 20-years-old he's got a big future ahead, so he'd be a really good signing for the Giants.

Callan Ward (Western Bulldogs)
The 21-year-old on-baller has confirmed he has been approached by the Giants which makes you think he's more likely to stay at Footscray then go, if he's willing to make that information public. Ward, who grew up just up the road from the Bulldogs' home ground, has developed into a really consistent player in 2011, averaging 20 disposals per game, and is seen as a key to his club's future. The multi-million dollar deal reportedly on offer from the Giants must be tempting, but indications are he'll stay at the Kennel.

Mitch Morton (Richmond)
Morton is another talented forward is appears to be unsettled in his current situation. There had been speculation the 24-year-old West Australian could be traded by the Tigers at the end of last year but nothing eventuated. However the former Eagle has only managed four games in 2011, with critics claiming he's not a team player. There's no doubt he's got some talent, but his issues have existed for a long time so the Tigers might be willing to hand him over to the Giants to get some compensation while they can.

Matthew Bate (Melbourne)
The recognisable redhead is out of contract with the Dees at the end of this season and badly in need of a new club after falling out of their best 22. Bate has only managed four games in 2011, but the 24-year-old has previously shown he's capable at AFL level as a hard-leading half forward. As an 80-game player in his mid-20s, the Giants could do a lot worse.

Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide)
The Port midfielder could be set for a reunion with former Power coach Mark Williams at GWS. Williams got the best out of Pearce in his early years, when he won the 2006 AFL Rising Star award before playing a key role in helping the Power reach the 2007 Grand Final. However, Pearce's progress has tailed off in recent times with his workrate questioned and he's spent time out of Port's side in 2011. Nevertheless, Pearce struggles when under close opposition attention which makes you think a move to GWS, where he'd be their prime midfielder, may not really benefit him.

Mark Blake (Geelong)
The 2009 premiership ruckman has fallen out of favour at the Cattery and a ruptured finger tendon hasn't helped his cause either. Young big men Dawson Simpson and Nathan Vardy appear to have gone past Blake at Geelong and the 25-year-old must be pondering his future having failed to play one senior game in 2011. It won't be easy for the Giants to find a seasoned AFL bigman, so Blake – a handy tap ruckman – will definitely be on their radar.

Cale Morton (Melbourne)
The 2007 number four draft pick appears in need of a fresh start having struggled to really kick on and establish himself in the Melbourne side. The 21-year-old West Australian has only managed 10 games for the Dees in 2011, slipping in and out of the side and having had his issues at the club too. He's put off contract talks until the end of the season but appears in need of a switch so he can focus on capitalising on his obvious potential.

Dale Thomas (Collingwood)
The player dubbed by St Kilda coach Ross Lyon as the best player in the AFL in 2011 would be a major coup for the Giants. And anything's possible, considering the Suns got Gary Ablett Jnr, but all indications so far are that Thomas will re-sign with the Pies despite contract talks being ongoing. The 24-year-old Victorian has developed into a super player at Collingwood and he seems to be enjoying his footy more than ever right now, so it's hard to see him moving and you know Eddie Maguire will pull out all stops to keep him with the Pies.