Sam Landsberger
Herald Sun
May 06, 2015 8:00PM
Carlton and St Kilda are set for a tug of war over Bailey Rice, the father-son draft prospect who is eligible to join both rebuilding clubs.
The son of Dean Rice, who played 116 games at the Saints and 118 with the Blues, began the year as a draft hopeful but his standing has swelled after a hot start to 2015.
The speedy half-back flanker was best-afield with 27 disposals and 14 marks (six contested) for Dandenong Stingrays on Saturday and he has spent time in both club’s father-son academies.
Stingrays talent manager Mark Wheeler said on Wednesday if Rice’s improvement continues and he can bed down a midfield position he could push towards the first round in this year’s draft, but AFL recruiters were more cautious.
Should both clubs declare they want Rice, who still needs to build his endurance, he would be forced to choose a destination.
The Saints have tracked Rice since he was 14 and while the 184cm, 81kg talent has spent more time in their academy, he grew up a Blues supporter.
Joe Daniher chose Essendon in 2012 despite also qualifying for Sydney under the father-son rule.
The Blues also have Jack Silvagni (son of Stephen) and Jake Bradley (son of Craig) available this year and the complicated points bidding system set to be introduced could tie their hands if they want all three.
Dean Rice, a premiership teammate of new Blues list manager Silvagni, said on Wednesday night there was no clear favourite.
“They’re both showing a lot of interest and, to their credit, they’re both doing the right thing by him,” he said.
“He just wants to play AFL and at this point in time there’s no clear club and when the time comes we’ll make the decision from there.
“He has the same competitive nature that I had, but I think he’s a lot more skilful than I was and he’s a better athlete.”
Wheeler said the Blues’ interest had “amped up” since Silvagni returned to the club.
Since the draft began in 1986 the Blues have had eight father-sons while the Saints have selected just two.
“We’ve got two clubs bidding for him and I reckon they’ll both try their best,” Wheeler said.
“He’s definitely taken the next step and is our most damaging coming off half-back, apart from (potential No. 1 pick Jacob) Weitering.
“He’s elite in kicking, he’s brave — probably too brave — and he’s got all the attributes.
“Some of those contested marks he shouldn’t be able to take, but he has. He puts himself in front of packs and knows he’s going to get crunched.
“Both clubs have given Bailey some options and if he’s in need of anything they’ve told him to come to the club and try to help as much as possible.”
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Last Modified on 18/05/2015 18:13