The Demons are hell-bent on adding youth to their list and acquiring further picks for the upcoming drafting period. The club is thinking long-term – it is setting itself up for the next decade. Just like Rome, Melbourne's list can not be built in a day, but there is genuine excitement for the long-term. In 2009, Melbourne had the second youngest list in the competition, behind Hawthorn. The Dees could challenge for the youngest list in 2010. Youth, youth, youth and more youth are a priority for Melbourne.
Who they've lost
Brock McLean
Russell Robertson
Paul Wheatley (ret.)
Matthew Whelan (ret.)
What they need
Having already agreed to an in principle agreement to trade Brock McLean to Carlton, in exchange for pick No.11, the Demons – before trade week – have No.1, No.2, No.11 (although the paperwork needs to be ticked off) and No.18 in this year's NAB AFL Draft. It's an outstanding position to be in to rebuild a playing list.
Quite simply, the Demons need genuine 'star' talent and they should achieve that with the acquisition of Tom Scully, Jack Trengove or Anthony Morabito with picks No.1 and No.2. All midfield prospects, the Demons are eager to build that area on their list.
Melbourne will be on the look out for some tall timber as well. A key forward and ruckman will be on its shopping list. Those specific targets could come into play at No.11 and No.18.
And don't be surprised if Melbourne gains further picks in this week's trade period.
Tradeable commodities
Brock McLean always loomed as the most tradable player. He is a quality midfielder, but having battled injuries since starring in Melbourne's most recent finals win over St Kilda in 2006, McLean has been frustrated by too much time on the sidelines.
A fresh start at Carlton could be just what he needs. And another early draft pick is just what Melbourne wants, so it looms as a genuine win/win for both.
Port Adelaide is monitoring ruckman Mark Jamar, who despite battling injury in 2009, showed vast improvement in his limited appearances.
The club has re-signed Aaron Davey for another four years, which ended any thought of Essendon acquiring him to play with younger brother Alwyn.
What the club says
"[We're] always open-minded and having the first pick in the pre-season draft is a strategic advantage as well. We'd never say never about deals and potential trades, so we just want to make sure we set the club up, so it's in a position where we can really build our list," Melbourne list manager Tim Harrington.
Crystal ball trades
With Port Adelaide eyeing off Jamar, could a deal be done with the Power? One option could be Melbourne giving up its No.1 ruckman in exchange for Port Adelaide's second-round pick (No.24). The Demons gain another selection inside the top 25 and the Power secure a 26-year-old ruckman, who showed considerable improvement this year, despite an injury-interrupted season. Jamar will help off-set the loss of the retired Brendon Lade.
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Have your say: Trade Winds Blog
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The 2009 AFL exchange period runs from October 5-9. No trades are official until paperwork has been accepted by the AFL and formally recognised after 2pm on Friday, October 9.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
