Cashed-up Essendon could land two of this year’s biggest free agents.
Plus an outgoing Hawk has named his club of choice, while a premiership Demon has lots of interest.
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BOMBERS WELL-PLACED FOR FRUITFUL OFF-SEASON
Cashed-up Essendon will be able to fit Ben McKay and Jade Gresham into its salary cap, should the star free agent duo both nominate the Bombers as their preferred destination, reports the Herald Sun.
Gresham, who played all but one of St Kilda’s games this season, remains unsigned beyond 2023 and has attracted interest from rival clubs. He had his exit meeting with coach Ross Lyon last week.
The Age reported last week Essendon was “in the hunt” to secure Gresham, but Carlton wouldn’t make a big play for him considering his asking price. Richmond has met with Gresham and Hawthorn has also been linked to him.
As Gresham is a restricted free agent, the Saints would have the right to match the offer put to him by a rival club.
And the Herald Sun on Wednesday reported St Kilda would be prepared to match a Bombers offer for Gresham, but it would depend on the financial terms and, subsequently, what free agency compensation draft selection it’d trigger. A second-round pick could suffice for the Saints.
Ross reveals huge free agent meeting | 01:21
Gresham after his exit meeting said the Saints were “really keen for me to stay”, but added he faced a big call on his future.
“No doubt there’s interest out there (from other clubs), so I’ve just got to weigh it all up. I’ve really enjoyed playing here (at St Kilda) this year,” Gresham told reporters.
“We’ll sort it out in the next few weeks and sit down with my manager and family and work it all out when the time is right.”
The Bombers have around $2 million space in their salary cap to use this off-season, with coach Brad Scott reportedly keen to explore the free agency market.
North Melbourne defender McKay has yet to make a call on his future, with the Bombers, Hawks and Swans all circling. He reportedly toured Hawthorn on the weekend.
OUTGOING HAWK MAKES PREFERRED CLUB CALL
Hawthorn goalkicker Tyler Brockman has chosen West Coast as his preferred new destination, reports The West Australian.
Brockman, who was drafted out of Wembley Downs in 2020, is keen to return home to Western Australia for family reasons
The 20-year-old had attracted interest from both Fremantle and West Coast, but the West Australian reported Brockman had chosen the Eagles, with both parties agreeing to a multi-year deal.
Ben McKay to be offered 7-year deal? | 00:42
The report suggested the off-contract Brockman could slip through to the Eagles via the pre-season draft should Hawthorn and West Coast be unable to agree to terms on a trade.
After playing 11 AFL games in his first season, Brockman didn’t feature in the Hawks’ senior team in 2022 due to a season-ending shoulder injury suffered while playing for Box Hill in the VFL earlier in the year.
Brockman played 15 games for Hawthorn in 2023, booting 13.8.
DEE OFFICIALLY WANTS OUT
Free agent James Jordon has told Melbourne he wants out, reports AFL Media.
After playing 47 games across the 2021 and 2022 seasons — including the Demons’ 2021 Grad Final triumph as the unused sub — Jordon struggled to cement his spot in Melbourne’s starting 22 in 2023. He either started as the sub or was ultimately subbed out in eight of his 18 games.
Jordon, who remains unsigned beyond this year, is now eligible for free agency as the Demons delisted the on-baller then re-rookied him in 2020.
‘Brayshaw furore derailed finals’ | 00:51
AFL Media reported Jordon had officially told Melbourne he’d like to explore his free agency options, with rival clubs able to sign him without giving up anything at the trade table.
Sydney, Essendon, St Kilda, Carlton and the Western Bulldogs have all been linked to Jordon throughout the year.
Herald Sun reporter Jon Ralph on Monday night told On The Couch Jordon had “strong interest from St Kilda”.
