AFL trade news 2023: Melbourne working out deals for Brodie Grundy, Shane McAdam

Could the Crows take what Melbourne get for Brodie Grundy in the deal of Shane McAdam? Or is a South Australian Demon in their sights? Get the latest trade intel.

Brodie Grundy of the Demons during Melbournes training session.

Melbourne won’t stand in the way of Brodie Grundy’s trade request to Sydney as the Demons search the competition for a replacement back-up big man.

It shapes as a busy trade period for the Demons, who look set to permit Grundy’s move to the Swans for a potential second-round draft pick and welcome Adelaide Crows’ playmaker Shane McAdam.

Adelaide wants a mature-age player in return but will face heavy resistance from Melbourne if the Crows zero in on versatile tall Harrison Petty or hard nut midfielder Tom Sparrow.

Melbourne could look to let go of James Harmes, 27, or Adam Tomlinson, 30, in a deal for McAdam, 28.

But the Demons will likely meet with Grundy, 29, in the next couple of days as part of the club’s player exit meetings following an agonizing second-straight straight-sets finals departure on Friday night.

Grundy is almost certain to tell the club he wants to play for the Swans next year where, he will lead John Longmire’s ruck division and partner up with assistant coach and champion West Coast ruckman Dean Cox.

The Swans have picks 22 (from Hawthorn) and 30 to do the deal one year after Melbourne parted with pick 27 for the dual All-Australian.

Ed Langdon with Brodie Grundy at Demons training. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

The former Collingwood superstar was with teammates in the shattering aftermath of the two-point semi-final loss to Carlton on Friday night at the MCG.

Teammate Jake Lever, who crossed from Adelaide to Melbourne in 2017 in a move which drew ire from teammates at the time, said the club would understand if he wanted to leave.

“He is a pretty good ruckman who is probably playing behind one of the best of all time (Max Gawn),” Lever said.

“He has been playing in the twos the last couple of weeks.

“I am sure he will do everything possible to make the most of his career, and if that is to move or that is to stay we will accept whatever it is.”

Lever said Grundy had carried himself exceptionally well in tough circumstances. He played 17 games for Melbourne this year, averaging 14 disposals and 21 hitouts a game.

He booted 10 goals but had played only one game (against Carlton in round 22) since he was dumped in round 17. In the semi-final Josh Schache was picked ahead of Grundy as the sub, but was not used.

“I was proud of Brodie for what he has been doing at training and you can see him in the rooms before the game and after the game talking to the guys,” Lever said.

“He is a committed Melbourne player, but now the season is over I am sure there will be a lot of movement as there normally is this time of the year.

“He will be sorely missed if he does leave, but if he stays we have got a pretty good no. 2 ruckman, that is for sure.”

Adelaide could drive a hard bargain on Shane McAdam. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Former Melbourne captain Nathan Jones on Sunday said it was clear Gawn thrives as the lead ruckman, and said he expected a deal to be done.

“I was probably one that scratched my head early days, thinking I’m not sure how this would work,” Jones said on Triple M.

“I know the type of player Max is and he is an endurance animal, generally grinds out games and generally performs in that last quarter and a half, that is when he comes to the fore.

“It was a courageous call during the year to call it (drop Grundy) I probably would have liked to have it sooner.

“The club and Brodie will come to an agreement at some point and he will move on.”