ON THE FINAL day of the Trade Period, Melbourne swung a pair of moves which has left its list in a strong position ahead of 2023.
With the departure of Sam Weideman, Luke Jackson and Mitch Brown, the Demons were in need of an additional option inside 50.
That came in the form of Josh Schache.
Landing the Bulldog for a future fourth round selection, the Dees have added an asset that can be use all across the field.
“Josh came in on the back of Sammy Weideman asking to leave,” List Manager Tim Lamb told Melbourne Media.
“They’re the same age, both in the same draft – high selections.
“Josh is really versatile, he’s played AFL footy forward, back, ruck – he played against us in the Grand Final in 2021 as a defender.”
Schache was the No.2 draft pick in 2015, playing 27 games for the Lions before moving to the Western Bulldogs.
Throughout his seven years at AFL level, the 25-year-old has shown plenty of attributes that can be utilised by the Demons.
But it was his endurance and foot skills for a man standing at 199cms that impressed Lamb the most.
“We felt we needed some more support in our talls department, and we’re really open as to where that can look for Josh,” he said.
“We think he can add value in all areas of the ground.”
After bolstering their key stocks, the Dees shifted their attention to the midfield, securing a trade for Schache’s teammate, Lachie Hunter, in the dying stages.
“We wanted to add another really good ball user, decision maker, runner, to our list,” Lamb said.
“Lachie’s got extremely high footy IQ, loves the game, understands it – he’s a bit of an on-field coach, terrific runner, great decision maker, great ball user.”
With all those assets and 173 games of experience, Hunter poses as a dangerous proposition for Melbourne at the price of a future third round selection.
The 27-year-old, who played in the Dogs’ 2016 premiership, will look to have an immediate impact in the red and blue.
“We’re still a pretty young list, so to add him and Brodie (Grundy), gives some really good experience, not only in general but they’ve both played really significant finals footy,” Lamb said.
“So we think that will help us while we’re in this phase now of contending.”
To hear more from Lamb, watch the interview below:
