ESSENDON says it was unable to match the significant contract offer Richmond put to midfielder Bachar Houli and the Bombers now appear certain to lose the 22-year-old for nothing.

Houli will attempt to make his way to Punt Road via either the NAB AFL Draft or the pre-season draft after the Bombers and Tigers failed to negotiate a suitable exchange during trade week.

Essendon football manager Paul Hamilton said Houli had indicated he intends to leave Essendon with the Tigers offering him more than the Bombers "could or would".

"Bachar has made it very clear that he wants to leave and I know there has been a lot of conjecture as to why," Hamilton told essendonfc.com.au.

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A STALEMATE between Fremantle and Collingwood over Chris Tarrant looms as the key deal on the last day of trade week, which concludes at 2pm on Monday.

Fremantle is looking for a NAB AFL Draft selection inside the top 50 for defender Tarrant, who is set on a move to Collingwood. However, The Age reported that the Magpies' pick 55, which was obtained from Freo as part of the Andrew Krakouer deal, could form part of an acceptable exchange.

The Herald Sun has a different take on the impasse, reporting that Fremantle wants Collingwood's second-round pick but the Magpies will only give up their fourth-rounder.

Both Melbourne papers report that Carlton looks set to be active on the final day trading.

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SHAUN Grigg has finally completed his desired move to Richmond, joining the Tigers on Saturday afternoon in a straight swap for Andrew Collins.

The 22-year-old midfielder had informed the Blues of his wish to join Richmond but Carlton officials had hoped to persuade him to remain.

Under the deal Collins, also 22, will move to Visy Park.

Collins was drafted by Richmond at pick 73 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft. The Blues took Grigg at pick 19 in the same year.

Richmond’s General Manager of Football, Craig Cameron, said the Tigers were delighted to have secured Grigg after some days of negotiation.

"We believe Shaun will be a good fit for our side," he said.

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ADELAIDE
Trades confirmed: Richard Tambling (Richmond) for Adelaide's end-of-first round compensation for losing Nathan Bock, and a third-round draft selection (No.50).
On the table: Jon Griffin is seeking a return home to Western Australia to be closer to his ill father and the Crows are confident they can get a deal done with Fremantle.
Targets: Carlton ruckman Sam Jacobs has requested a trade to Adelaide but the Blues are playing hardball, demanding a first-round draft pick for the uncontracted South Australian. Jacobs has indicated he'll go into the NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft if an agreement between the two clubs can't be reached in the exchange period.

BRISBANE LIONS
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