ESSENDON will take an aggressive approach to trade week, coach Matthew Knights has confirmed.

“We won’t be making any half bids for people or just putting names out there for the sake of it,” Knights said.

“If we’re interested in someone we’ll be aggressive with them.”

Speculation has been rife that Andrew Lovett may be traded, but Knights said no decisions had been taken.

“I’ve had a chat with Andrew and his manager about where he’s at, how he’s played for the year, how things have gone and where the club’s heading,” he said.

“No definitive decisions have been made either way. It will depend on what happens post-season and how things evolve.”

Knights said a handful of other players were nearing the end of their time at Windy Hill.

“I have sat down with Courtney Johns, Danny Chartres, Andrew Lee and Dean Dick … probably three weeks ago I spoke to those young guys,” he said.

“It’s not any less important or tougher in speaking to those young guys because a lot of those young guys, at 20 or 21 years of age probably think they’ve got 10 years of football in front of them.

“Some of the young guys I spoke to believe they can make it and I hope they do. They’re wonderful people, they’re good people.

“It’s a part of the job that’s not ideal but I believe as long as you do it in the right manner and you’re very up front and honest with the players, that’s all you can do.”