Any buyers for a fringe Bulldog?

WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Patrick Lipinski has been mentioned in trade circles due to a lack of opportunity at Whitten Oval.

The 23-year-old has made nine AFL appearances this season and is set to come out of contract, with Sydney and an unnamed Victorian club reportedly interested in acquiring his services.

SEN’s Sam Edmund reported earlier this year that rival clubs will look to tempt Lipinski away from the Bulldogs with the promise of regular opportunity at AFL level.

Tim Watson says the fringe Bulldog has his flaws, but still expects clubs to target him at the end of the season.

“Lipinski’s an interesting player because he hasn’t been able to nail a regular spot for the Bulldogs,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.

Garry Lyon asked, “Do you think there will be buyers for him?”

Watson replied, “I think so because of the athleticism that he has.

“The gaps in his game and the reasons why he’s not playing at the Bulldogs will be the same reasons that causes others to hit the pause button. He’ll need to improve in all those areas.

“I think everybody will have a look at him.”

Lipinski was dropped after recording 23 disposals and four clearances against ladder-leaders Melbourne in Round 11.

He was on the outer until his appearance as the medical sub in the Dogs’ Round 16 win over North Melbourne.

-BY ALEX ZAIA/ SEN