Western Bulldogs facing exodus problem as Jack Macrae follows teammate with trade request

Gun Western Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae is reportedly seeking a trade away from Whitten Oval.

Macrae's apparent exit comes after midfielder Bailey Smith informed the Bulldogs on Monday that he will be seeking a trade during the upcoming trade period.

The 30-year-old Macrae is contracted to the club until the end of 2027.

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According to AFL.com.au journalist Callum Twomey, Macrae has not nominated a destination of choice but wishes to depart during the trade period.

"Jack Macrae has told the Western Bulldogs he will be seeking a trade," he wrote in a post on X.

"The premiership midfielder has three years remaining on his deal but will be looking to play elsewhere in 2025. Hasn't nominated a club."

Macrae featured in 19 senior games this season, including four matches where he started as the side's sub.

He also spent some time with the club's VFL team.

Macrae injured his hamstring on the eve of the 2024 season which saw him sidelined for a significant period.

The Bulldogs also made changes to their midfield this season with Ed Richards making the switch and draftee Ryley Sanders coming into the fold.

Macrae has played 249 games for the Bulldogs after he was drafted with the pick No.6 in the 2012 national draft.

Macrae earned three consecutive All-Australian blazers between 2019 and 2021 and played a crucial role in the Bulldogs' 2016 premiership win.

St Kilda is rumoured to make a play for the AFL Coaches Association's 2021 Gary Ayres Medallist.

The Bulldogs' 2024 season came to an end on Friday after they suffered a 37-point loss to the Hawks in the first elimination final.

The club's exit interviews began on Monday

The AFL trade period begins on Monday, October 9.