Banned Essendon defender Michael Hibberd is likely to request a trade to Melbourne

UPDATE: BANNED Essendon defender Michael Hibberd is likely to request a move to Melbourne, with Tim Watson saying the club believes he is a “50-50” chance of remaining a Bomber.

Michael Hibberd Picture: Wayne Ludbey

BANNED Essendon defender Michael Hibberd is likely to request a move to Melbourne in a decision that could trigger a trade standoff between the clubs.

The Herald Sun understands the Demons are increasingly confident of landing Hibberd, who has a strong connection to coach-in-waiting Simon Goodwin.

The Bombers are desperate to retain Hibberd but would request a first-round pick should he want out.

Melbourne does not have a first-round selection and its second-round selection, currently No. 27, is unlikely to satisfy the Bombers.

The Demons are yet to discuss trade scenarios but it is expected their 2017 first-round pick would be off-limits.

Bombers great Tim Watson said Hibberd “is a player that (Essendon) require” despite “not having a great year” in 2015, but said he believes he is still considered a “50-50” chance of staying by the club.

“At this stage I think the club believes that he may be a 50-50 situation. They don’t believe that he is definitely gone,” he said on SEN.

“He’s overseas at the moment with a number of Essendon players over in Europe.

“Players, they have discussions. Sometimes the power of your teammates and the discussions you have with that group are more powerful than other discussions you might have with your manager or the club that is pursuing you.”

Watson “you’d have to say that” the longer the situation plays out, the more concerned Essendon should be about his prospects of staying at the club.

And he said the Bombers could well be headed to the AFL’s grievance tribunal if they feel hard done by by any potential trade.

“They could. They could definitely do that,” Watson said.

“And then that would have to be determined by the grievance tribunal of what is a suitable trade.”

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

Melbourne’s vocal interest in poaching Hibberd — contracted at Essendon next year — led to a public spat between the clubs last month.

It is highly unlikely, but Hibberd could go to the AFL grievance tribunal and argue breach of contract.

Michael Hibberd is likely to request a move to Melbourne. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

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

Sources said any such claim would not be straight forward. Evidence of Essendon’s remedial work since the 2012 drugs saga would be considered by the tribunal.

Hibberd has not formalised his intentions to either club.

He is holidaying overseas and this week ran with the bulls in Spain with teammates including Michael Hurley, whose future is also unclear.

In 2011 Hibberd worked with Melbourne development coach Brendan McCartney and a change of clubs would also reunite him with former teammate Jake Melksham

The Bombers swiftly exchanged Melksham for pick No. 25 last year, which was used on Mason Redman.

They believe Hibberd demands a higher price.

The running defender and Hurley are both managed by Paul Connors, who facilitated the trades of Melksham, Paddy Ryder and Stewart Crameri out of Essendon.

Michael Hibberd playing against the Demons before his suspension. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The Bombers’ confidence in keeping Hibberd is starting to wane. Last night a club source said he was a 50-50 chance at best of staying.

Demons chief executive Peter Jackson revealed the club has spoken to Hibberd last month.

Essendon coach John Worsfold hit back.

“They shouldn’t be expressing any interest in contracted players,” he said. “I think that’s outside the laws of the game.”

But counterpart Paul Roos said the Demons “certainly haven’t broken any rules”.

In 2014 Hibberd signed a three-year extension at Essendon and told the Herald Sun: “No one is running away from this footy club.

“We all love being here, we all love the players and we love playing for the club.

“Hopefully we all stick together and build something special.”

Jack Watts is set to re-sign at Melbourne. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The Herald Sun revealed Melbourne free agent Jack Watts, also managed by Connors, is close to signing a long-term extension.

Hibberd’s lethal kicking skills would add another layer to Melbourne’s drastically improved ball movement.

There are doubts over Heritier Lumumba’s future in the game while defender Jack Grimes is out of favour and coming out of contract.

Hibberd has played 84 games since he was plucked from Frankston Dolphins as the VFL’s Rising Star.