Mark Duffield - Four Thoughts (07.10.2026)

Mark Duffield (0:00)

Let's get on to Four Thoughts on Sport to get us rolling this morning. And First Thought is on West Coast. We will have CEO Don Pike on the show shortly. It is a chance to pick his brain about the club's draft and trade strategy. At this point, they are very much in the box seat to snare Jack Viney, who was told by Melbourne to explore his options as a mark of respect for his service to that club. With Essendon out of the running, Viney joining West Coast would appear to be a formality.

The Eagles have picked three at the draft, almost certain to drop to pick five after the expected bids on Dougie Cochran and Cody Walker. With that pick, are they looking for best available young player or are they looking to address a need? Is it possible they will split that pick? We'll ask Don those questions. Second thought, Carlton's pursuit of 32-year-old GWS playmaker Lockie Whitfield is interesting. They haven't landed him yet, but it's another example of Josh Frazer's so far successful attempt to transform the Blues from a stodgy contest and clearance team as they were for much of Michael Voss' tenure to a more free-flowing team. Running back Olly Florent finished second in the Blues Best and Fairest. They were one of the best more ball movement teams over the back half of the season, and Whitfield would add to that.

Third thought on Cricket, and with Cameron Green ruled out of the first test against South Africa, possibly even out of the series, is it actually possible that the Aussie selectors, who have already shocked us by putting Nick Maddison in the squad, might actually put him in the team? Surely, WA's Cooper Connolly gets a game ahead of Maddison?

Surely.

And finally, Fourth Thought, a touch of Rugby League. An interesting time to the Perth Bears before they've even played a game in their fresh NRL incarnation. So Codesport reported yesterday that CEO Anthony De Segglie had been given three months grace to save his tenure amid unrest from the club's board. So Peter Vlandies, an ally of De Segglie, is said to have intervened on his behalf after a series of missteps by the club. This is going to be a watch this space in the coming weeks and months. Give us your thoughts and questions. 487 736 736 is our text line. 1312 55 is the Barra and O'Day open line. Barra and O'Day because the little things are everything. After the break, we'll be talking to West Coast CEO Don Pike. Made in WA for WA. This is Mornings with Mark Duffield on SENWA.