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No fresh start for free agent Menzel

AFL

The AFL's free agency period has come to a close with Geelong forward Daniel Menzel unable to find a new home.

An unrestricted free agent, 26-year-old Menzel had been hoping to secure a longer-term contract after being offered a one-year deal by the Cats.

The South Australian has undergone four knee reconstructions throughout his career, and his shocking injury history is likely to have been a factor in his inability to secure a longer deal.

He's been the biggest name remaining on the free agent list after former teammate Steven Motlop, Brisbane's Tom Rockliff and Port Adelaide's Jackson Trengove were all snapped up.

Motlop and Rockliff both signed four-year deals with the Power, while Trengove signed a three-year contract with the Western Bulldogs.

The AFL's trade period will recommence on Monday, with a flurry of activity expected before Thursday's 2pm AEDT deadline.

Much of the intrigue will centre on whether Essendon can secure a trade for estranged Bulldogs forward Jake Stringer.

The 23-year-old was encouraged to find a new home and has picked Essendon as his preferred destination.

But the Bulldogs have threatened to dig their heels in unless the Bombers offer up suitable compensation for the contracted All-Australian.

Essendon have already offloaded their first-round pick in this year's draft to Greater Western Sydney in exchange for Devon Smith, and they may need to swap picks with a third club to satisfy the Dogs.

Bulldogs football boss Chris Grant on Saturday declared that Stringer was "every chance" of remaining on their list, despite his manager publicly suggesting otherwise.

Geelong have also shown interest in Stringer and could swoop in after surprisingly receiving a draft pick at the end of the first round - currently pick No.19 - as compensation for Motlop's departure.

The Cats' main priority however will likely be finalising a deal with Gold Coast to bring Gary Ablett back to Kardinia Park.

Dual Brownlow Medallist Ablett has previously declared he will retire if he is unable to play out his career with the Cats.

It is unclear whether talks will proceed as planned following the sudden death of Ablett's sister Natasha on Thursday night.

Port Adelaide are expected to continue their busy trade period and secure a deal for Melbourne forward Jack Watts.

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