THE dominoes are starting to fall in what looks like being one of the NAB AFL Trade Period's most hectic fronts – the West.
Giants tall Rory Lobb requested a trade to Fremantle shortly after the Trade Period opened on Monday after meeting with both the Dockers and West Coast, news that followed Andrew Gaff's decision to re-sign with Eagles and Geelong midfielder Tim Kelly's bid to join him there.
Which leaves Melbourne spearhead Jesse Hogan as the biggest domino yet to fall.
The 23-year-old West Australian has yet to officially request a trade, but toured Fremantle's Cockburn headquarters last week.
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Hogan has long been near the top of the Dockers' wishlist, but there was a sense in football circles on Monday that they might be cooling on him.
That sense was fueled in part by Lobb's commitment to Fremantle. The wantaway Giant might not be as potent a forward-line force as Hogan, but would still be an extremely handy acquisition and, in turn, lessen the Dockers' need for the Demon.
There's also the high price tag Melbourne has put on Hogan's head. At this stage, the Demons are demanding two early first-round picks.
The Dockers have pick No.6 and are expected to land pick No.5 as part of Lachie Neale's likely trade to Brisbane, but will be reluctant to part with both given they need to broker a deal for Lobb (most likely for a mid-to-late first-round pick or equivalent) and their next pick does not fall until 79.
Fremantle will also have to do its due diligence before offering Hogan a long-term contract, with the spearhead's recovery from a navicular injury among the pressing issues it has to address.
There is still a chance Hogan could remain at Melbourne, but it appears far more likely he will be in the Dockers' purple and white next season.
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Hogan is unlikely to officially request a trade to Fremantle in the next day or so, but it's understood progress is being made behind the scenes that is inching him closer to that point.
Melbourne would ideally like an answer soon so it can turn its attention to trading for Gold Coast defender Steven May.
But, as they consider such a blockbuster trade, the Dockers won't be rushed.
Tyson still in Suns' sights
Gold Coast continues to explore the possibility of enticing Melbourne midfielder Dom Tyson north to join his third AFL club.
Tyson, 25, has been told he is free to explore his options outside of the Demons, despite holding a contract at the club for 2019.
As the Suns attempt to bolster their midfield stocks, having already added Richmond pair Anthony Miles and Corey Ellis on Monday, Tyson is a player of interest for Stuart Dew.
Tyson was recruited to the Demons at the end of 2013 from Greater Western Sydney to play as an inside midfielder but has been forced to play out of position in recent times.
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The Demons have been flush for inside midfielders this season, after the return of Jack Viney from injury and the rise of Angus Brayshaw, Clayton Oliver and James Harmes.
Demons head of football Josh Mahoney told NAB AFL Trade Radio last week Tyson had been exploring the market for outside interest.
Tyson had a stint in the VFL this season before returning to play in Melbourne's finals campaign, finishing with 17 AFL games for the season.
Requiring surgery for a fractured arm sustained in round 23, Tyson incredibly returned to play 12 days later in the Demons' elimination final win over Geelong.
Could the Dockers swoop on Kelly?
They've already pipped the Eagles for Rory Lobb's approval, but could the Dockers make a late play for Tim Kelly?
While Fremantle football boss Peter Bell said Kelly appeared set on a move to West Coast, Cats list boss Stephen Wells revealed the Dockers had also thrown their hat in the ring.
Kelly has made it clear the Eagles are his sole trade option, however the Cats will attempt to keep the Dockers in the race for as long as they can.
Wells insisted "no progress" had been made between his team and the Eagles. Should a deal break down, the Dockers may be better placed to provide the top-10 pick the Cats are after.
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In other news:
- Greater Western Sydney midfielder Will Setterfield nominated Carlton as his preferred new home over Essendon.
- Collingwood has finally come to terms with in-demand swingman Darcy Moore who has re-committed on a two-year deal. Attention will now turn to securing the signature of defender Tom Langdon.
- Small forward Lincoln McCarthy's move from Geelong to Brisbane was the first official move of the NAB AFL Trade Period, taking 37 minutes to drop on Monday morning.
- As new Tiger Tom Lynch was unveiled for the first time in Richmond colours at Punt Road, his former side Gold Coast was informed it had been given pick No.3 as compensation for his exit.
- Geelong's love affair with mature-age recruits continued, landing 196cm South Adelaide forward Nathan Kreuger with pick 42. Receiving the selection from the Lions in the earlier deal involving Lincoln McCarthy, the Cats on-traded the pick to the Blues for one of their two pre-listed mature-age selections.
- The Western Bulldogs will attempt to hold defender Marcus Adams to his contract despite his wish to get to Brisbane on a three-year deal. Early discussions between both clubs started on Sunday.
- Less than a day after missing out on Andrew Gaff, North Melbourne secured the services of father-son recruit Bailey Scott over Gold Coast and Geelong. Eligible to join the Suns (Academy-listed) and the Cats (father-son), Scott selected the Roos where father Robert played in the 1996 premiership.
- As the Tuesday 1.30pm deadline draws closer, West Coast continues to consider matching Port Adelaide's bid for premiership ruckman Scott Lycett. The Power have offered a five-year, $3 million deal.
