North Melbourne targets Jack Bowes amid coaching uncertainty; Neale's Collingwood move gains momentum

North Melbourne has identified Geelong utility Jack Bowes as a trade target as the club faces the unusual prospect of entering the AFL exchange period without a senior coach following Alastair Clarkson's sacking. Bowes, unsigned beyond this season, is also attracting interest from Essendon, while the Kangaroos are tipped to bolster their key defensive stocks with contracted Bomber Jordan Ridley and Crow Nick Murray in their sights. Club president Sonja Hood expressed confidence the football department's list strategy remains unaffected by the coaching search. Lachie Neale's move to Collingwood has escalated, with reports he has inquired about available jumper numbers, including the No.27 he wore at Fremantle. Meanwhile, triple premiership Tiger Dion Prestia is keen to play a 17th season, with Essendon and the Giants circling for a potential player or player-coach role.