Michael Hibberd has for the first time, publicly indicated his desire to be traded to the Melbourne Football Club during this year’s trade period.
Hibberd, who has one year remaining on his current contract at Essendon, has spoken about his desire for a fresh start after missing the 2016 season due to suspension.
"It's been documented pretty well that I'm probably going to go to Melbourne. Unless something drastic happens in trade week I'd see myself there," Hibberd said at the launch of NAB AFL Trade Radio.
The 26-year-old said the "extremely hard decision" was one he landed on after travelling with friends following a mid-year trip overseas with Essendon teammates.
"I was with the boys for three weeks and my mind chopped and changed a lot. When I was with the guys it definitely swayed towards staying, because I loved all the guys and definitely didn't want to leave them and wanted to keep playing footy with them," Hibberd said.
"After a few weeks of getting away I was with my girlfriend for three weeks afterwards and it swayed back to maybe a fresh start being good, and to part ways.
"The fact that it changed back that way pretty quickly I thought in a few months' time it is probably going to change even more. That was the decision I came to."
The 84-gamer said he had already caught up for drinks with his soon-to-be Melbourne teammates. Hibberd's manager Paul Connors said he hopes a deal can be sorted early in October's trade period.
The Bombers received pick 25 for Melksham last year and have said they want an early-second round selection for Hibberd at this year's exchange period. The Dees' first pick at this year's NAB AFL Draft is presently No.26.
"I think there's good faith from both parties," Connors said.
"I think you can't just say Jake did this and then the next [trade is worth this]. I could argue they paid overs for Jake because there's a relationship between both Melbourne and Essendon. I think the deal will be done and it will be done in good faith."
Hibberd said he hopes the Bombers and Demons are fixtured to face-off in round one next year, as Essendon has requested, so all suspended players can return at the same time.
"If it happens it would be nice to be out with all the guys who have missed a year. Whether we're on the same team on not it'd be nice to be together," he said.
General Manager of Football Josh Mahoney said that Hibberd suits the the Club’s age demographic and would be a good fit for the young Demons.
"Now that Michael has indicated Melbourne as his desired club, we will work with Essendon to facilitate a fair trade for both parties.” Mahoney told melbournefc.com.au.
"At 26 years of age, we feel that Michael’s experience and competitiveness would fit nicely into our young group. A lot of water has to go under the bridge to finalise a deal, but at the appropriate time we will sit down with Essendon and work through the details.”
The running defender has played 83 games since making his AFL debut in 2011. He was drafted to Essendon earlier that year with the 4th pick in the pre-season draft.
