Freo, Blues head to mediation over Warnock trade

THE STALEMATE between Fremantle and Carlton over the proposed Robert Warnock trade is likely to go before an independent AFL mediator on Thursday in a bid to reach an equitable resolution for both clubs.

Freo has consistently rejected the Blues' offer of a second-round pick (24) for the 21-year-old ruckman, but with the deadline for player trades looming, Carlton football manager Steven Icke was hopeful an impartial eye could see a way forward.

"We met with Fremantle this afternoon (Wednesday) and there is every chance we will be needing to call in a mediator," Icke confirmed in Thursday's Herald Sun.

"When you think about it, Fremantle are asking for an earlier second-round pick. We can't get it. Melbourne wants his services and they have got two of them; West Coast have two and they won't trade with us; Port Adelaide have got one and Essendon have got one.

"It (mediation) would have to be tomorrow (Thursday). We are willing to go to mediation and we think they are too."

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said suitable people, including chairman of the League's grievance tribunal Jack Rush, were ready to step in if required.

"We would use someone like Jack Rush, one of our mediators," Anderson said.

"We've got a few people on standby if needs be."

Warnock, who has played 21 games since Fremantle drafted him 42nd overall in 2005, has been steadfast in his desire to be traded to the Blues, but Melbourne, which has the first pick in the pre-season draft, remains hopeful of landing the 206cm beanpole.

"I think we're in the hunt. We're a chance," Demons football manager Chris Connolly said on Wednesday.

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The 2008 AFL exchange period runs from October 6-10, 2008. Please note, no trades are official until paperwork has been accepted by the AFL and formally recognised after 2pm EST on Friday, October 10.

Follow all the ins and outs of football’s most intriguing week at afl.com.au/trade. Track every trade as it is confirmed, plus the very latest news via our twitter feed.
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