Essendon won’t accept Melbourne’s second-round draft pick for Michael Hibberd

ESSENDON will refuse Melbourne’s offer a second-round pick for wantaway defender Michael Hibberd, setting the scene for a bitter trade stoush.

Michael Hibberd has been linked to the Demons. Picture: George Salpigtidis

ESSENDON will refuse Melbourne’s offer a second-round pick for wantaway defender Michael Hibberd, setting the scene for a bitter trade stoush.

The Bombers are adamant Hibberd — contracted at Tullamarine in 2017 — is worth more than No.27, the Demons’ current first selection.

Melbourne traded its 2016 first-round selection to Gold Coast last year and will be hesitant to hand over its first pick in next year’s draft.

If a trade is struck it would add to the intrigue should Essendon and Melbourne play on Friday night in Round 1 next season.

TRADE TARGET: HIBBERD WOULD BE ‘BIG ASSET’ FOR DEES

The Bombers have asked the AFL for the prime time timeslot and suggested the Demons as their opponent.

But the Dons are set to play hardball on Hibberd and will entertain offers from other clubs.

Last October they threatened to send Jake Carlisle to Hawthorn for an attractive deal before St Kilda found a way to part with pick No.5.

Essendon won’t be satisfied with Melbourne’s pick 27 for Michael Hibberd. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Talks with the Hawks became so serious that coach Alastair Clarkson arrived at Carlisle’s Florida hotel unannounced to talk him into joining the premiers.

Should trade talks with the Dees breakdown, one action for Hibberd is to go to the AFL’s grievance tribunal and argue breach of contract over the circumstances that led to his current doping ban.

If successful, that would allow him to change clubs as a delisted free agent, without compensation for Essendon.

Hibberd is managed by powerful player agent Paul Connors, who has previously stated that as a live option for other Essendon players.

Evidence of Essendon’s remedial work since the 2012 drugs saga would be considered by the tribunal and there is no guarantee Hibberd’s case would be successful.

Essendon chief executive Xavier Campbell said on Saturday that Hibberd was yet to nominate a new club, but it will almost certainly be Melbourne.

It is believed the Demons are preparing a lucrative four-year offer.

Incoming Dees coach Simon Goodwin said on Sunday that Hibberd would be a “big asset” in his halfback line.

“I’ve obviously coached him at Essendon, so I rate him extremely highly,” Goodwin said.

“He’s a quality backman who kicks the ball well and he is tough and brave and goes (at the ball) when it is his turn, so he has got a lot of important elements that a lot of clubs would like.”

Essendon coach John Worsfold said the club was yet to decide if it would pursue draft picks or players.

Essendon received pick No.25 from Melbourne for Jake Melksham lasy year. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“We’ll have to see what interest there is in Michael from clubs and what they’re prepared to say he’s worth to them and go from there,” Worsfold said.

The Bombers and Demons quickly shook hands on a trade last year for Jake Melksham.

Melbourne handed over No.25 for the midfielder and Essendon believes Hibberd should command a higher price.

Hibberd, 26, finished eighth in last year’s best-and-fairest and fourth in 2014.

He would help replace Heritier Lumumba and add a touch of aggression and experience to the Demons’ backline.

Melbourne fielded the second-youngest team in Round 22.

The Demons’ public interest in Hibberd led to a spat between the clubs earlier this season.

The Bombers are expecting an answer from Jobe Watson in coming weeks but indications are he will play on.

Originally published as Essendon won’t accept Melbourne’s second-round draft pick for Michael Hibberd