The Western Bulldogs have moved on quickly from Jack Silvagni, after the 27-year-old knocked back the club's interest in favour of a move to St Kilda, now launching a bid at Silvagni's new teammate Callum Wilkie.
After a season that was hindered by the Dogs' struggles in defence, the club has been aggressive in looking to improve their key defence stocks, previously targeting Silvagni while also believed to be considering Melbourne's Steven May.
But after missing out on Silvagni to the Saints, the Dogs are now said to be targeting Wilkie, who was last month rumoured to be feeling disgruntled by St Kilda's recruiting strategy.
Riley Beveridge and Callum Twomey broke the story for AFL.com.au, reporting that the Dogs are prepared to trade for the 29-year-old, while Nine's Tom Morris added detail around the financial component.
MORE: Carlton hunting Jack Silvagni replacement
"The Western Bulldogs offer for Cal Wilkie is more than $1 million per year across four years. Just less than $4.5 million all up," Morris posted to X.
"Wilkie has two years remaining on his deal at the Saints and is seen as a future captain, but it won't stop the Dogs from having a crack."
The Western Bulldogs offer for Cal Wilkie is more than $1 million per year across four years. Just less than $4.5 million all up.
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) September 4, 2025
Wilkie has two years remaining on his deal at the Saints and is seen as a future captain, but it won't stop the Dogs from having a crack.…
Wilkie's contract expires at the end of 2027, meaning even if the former All-Australian would like a move to the Kennel, the Dogs will have to cough up at the trade table.
Just last month, it was reported by SEN's Sam Edmund that Wilkie may have felt disillusioned with the Saints' list management situation.
The club has been aggressive in trying to land players ahead of the upcoming off-season, already set to sign Tom De Koning and Silvagni as free agents.
Meanwhile, they are also expected to bring in players such as Leek Aleer and Liam Ryan, amongst others.
"He's particularly concerned about the list management workings of his football club."
— 7AFL (@7AFL) August 11, 2025
Cal Wilkie is "disillusioned" with the direction of St Kilda, per Sam Edmund. pic.twitter.com/3zRhilFbAj