Demons still keen on Ball
Melbourne have extended a pre-season training offer to St Kilda's Luke Ball, says coach Dean Bailey
Ball, 25, is yet to announce whether he wishes to remain a Saint next year following a failed attempt to move to Collingwood during trade week.
Demons coach Dean Bailey said they had informed Ball of their interest in him, and would be happy for the grand final midfielder to join them on the track.
"Certainly, through his manger Paul [Connors], we've made it very clear," Bailey said on radio station SEN.
"We're in a position now that Luke can come to us for pre-season, he can make a decision now, he can start training with us, which would be fantastic."
"We haven't got to him yet, but don't worry. Luke knows exactly how keen we are."
There are a few ways Ball could become a Demon in the coming weeks, with the club holding the first two picks in the November 26 NAB AFL Draft and the top pick in the December 15 NAB AFL Pre-season Draft.
However, Bailey said if the 142-game player expressed a desire to move elsewhere, the Demons would not pursue him.
"I think if a player sat down in front of me, and said, 'I don't want to play at Melbourne', it's a short discussion," he said.
Since the Saints' grand final loss, Ball has enjoyed an extended break in the US before returning last week for teammate Michael Gardiner's wedding.
He is reported to be embarking on a second overseas jaunt this weekend.
Ball could yet remain at Moorabbin or he could choose to try his luck in either of the upcoming drafts.