MELBOURNE has its sights set on improving three key areas this AFL Trade Period.
Hoping to secure a helping hand for their All-Australian ruckman, Max Gawn, a speedster to inject some run through the midfield and a tall defender to tighten things up down back, the Demons are set for a busy 10 days.
With plenty of activity in recent years, General Manager of football operations, Josh Mahoney, said it’s pleasing to be in a driving position this time around.
“Moving into this period, we think our list is in a pretty good shape,” Mahoney told Melbourne Media on Monday.
“We’ve been heavily involved in the draft for four years and then have traded over the last two or three years, to bring some experienced players in.
“We think it’s an opportunity this year to add to a few different areas (and) look at our list needs.”
Despite a quiet start – there was no Melbourne movement over the first two days of the Trade Period – chatter is rife for the red and blue.
With several players being spoken about, the Demons are keen to do multiple deals ahead of next Wednesday’s 8.30pm deadline.
And North Melbourne’s Braydon Preuss is one they’re interested in.
“We think his mature body would be a benefit for us,” Mahoney said.
“We think he’d be able to play as a backup role for Max (Gawn), but also when we play two rucks at different stages in the same team, as West Coast did in the Grand Final.”
Braydon Preuss goes up against Max Gawn in 2017 (Photo: Adam Trafford)
The 23-year-old remains in contract with the Kangaroos, but Melbourne is hopeful of a trade being done, which will see Preuss in the red and blue next season.
Another player of appeal to the Demons is Gold Coast Suns’ Kade Kolodjashnij.
A skilful halfback who was taken at pick No.5 in the 2013 National Draft, Kolodjashnij could provide the spark Melbourne is missing.
“He’s a player our recruiters liked in his draft year,” Mahoney said.
“We think he would be the type of player that would help us, particularly with that run and carry.
“We’ve spoken to Gold Coast and we think something would happen during the Trade Period.”
Kolodjashnij is not the only Sun to have been linked to Melbourne, with questions over captain Steven May’s future on the coast.
Despite being contracted until the end of the 2019 season, May could land at the Demons, if forward Jesse Hogan decides to depart.
But Mahoney said several scenarios were in play.
“As a club, you have to look at all your different options when Jesse is making up a decision, as he is.”
“Steven May has been spoken about, but he’s got to make a decision first if he does leave the Gold Coast.
“We think with his age profile and position he plays, he would help our team, but there are a few things that have to land before that happens.”
