Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw is one of the club’s priority re-signings this season

A BATTLE is looming over two of the best young midfielders in the AFL. The Demons are all-in on trying to land West Coast’s Andrew Gaff but could the Eagles counter by trying to steal Angus Brayshaw?

Angus Brayshaw is having a brilliant season for Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

RED-HOT Melbourne onballer Angus Brayshaw is set to cash-in on his career-best form this season.

The hard-nut midfielder has bounced back from a career-threatening concussion problem last year to become one of the club’s priority re-signings this season.

Over the past five weeks Brayshaw has averaged 28 possessions, 530m gained, one goal and nine score involvements per game, helping propel the Demons into the top-four.

BIG WINNER: JAKE MELKSHAM’S STUNNING 2018

BIG WIN: LEVER HAS THE LAST LAUGH AGAINST CROWS

THE RETURN: VINCE ENVIOUS OF LEVER GRUDGE MATCH

In that time, the 2014 No. 3 draft pick has polled the second-most AFL Coaches’ Association votes at Melbourne behind superstar ruckman Max Gawn.

It is a strong endorsement of Brayshaw’s potential and standing at Melbourne despite a horror 2017 where he was forced to spend long periods in dark rooms to help ward off the devastating concussion symptoms.

Angus Brayshaw is having a brilliant season for Melbourne. Picture: AAP Images

After starting the year in the VFL, Brayshaw’s rich vein of form has caught the attention of several rival clubs, and significantly driven up his contract price.

One Melbourne club specifically on the hunt for a strong-bodied onballer has kept a close eye on the 22-year-old.

But the out of contract ball-winner has made clear he wants to stay at Melbourne beyond this season and help drive the club to a drought-breaking premiership.

His signature would continue the string of key re-signings at the club which has recently included Gawn, 2014 No. 2 draft pick Christian Petracca and best and fairest winner Clayton Oliver.

“I love Melbourne and I haven’t even thought about (leaving),” Brayshaw said in April.

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney is confident of retaining the clearance winner.

But West Coast could also yet make a revenge move on Brayshaw, attempting to partner him with his brother, Hamish, if the Dees are successful in prying Eagle Andrew Gaff.

West Coast is trying to keep free agent Gaff in a deal worth about $750,000 a year as well as gun key defender Jeremy McGovern on a deal worth as much as $1 million a season.

But the Dees have the room to land Gaff, keep free agent swingman Tom McDonald and re-sign Brayshaw on a much-improved deal to round-out their premiership tilt.

Brayshaw’s form spike is perfect timing as contract talks between his management and the club ramp up.

The 43-gamer has wanted to cement his position in the team and concentrate on re-establishing himself at AFL level before launching into talks about his future.

Andrew Gaff is on Melbourne’s radar. Picture: AAP Images

A four-year contract extension would tie Brayshaw to the Demons until he becomes a free agent in 2022.

A decision from Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin to move Brayshaw into a more natural onball role has also paid huge dividends.

Melbourne was struggling with its clearance connection in the engine room before Brayshaw partnered Clayton Oliver and Nathan Jones in the centre square.

Brayshaw did not attend a centre bounce in the Round 5 loss to Richmond but has since become one of their most regular attendees at the coal face.

MELBOURNE CONTRACT SITUATION

RE-SIGNED

Max Gawn

Clayton Oliver

Christian Petracca

OUT OF CONTRACT

Angus Brayshaw

Tom McDonald (free agent)

Neville Jetta (free agent)

CHASING

Andrew Gaff (West Coast)

LIVE stream every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week trial & start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW >

Originally published as Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw is one of the club’s priority re-signings this season