Injured Gold Coast midfielder David Swallow on North Melbourne’s radar

NORTH Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow appears on a path to line up alongside brother David next season with the injured Suns midfielder’s future unclear.

NORTH Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow appears on a path to line up alongside brother David next season with the injured Gold Coast midfielder’s future unclear.

The Suns’ only No. 1 draft pick has played just two of the past 31 matches and is no certainty to return to the field this season as he battles to overcome bone bruising in his knee.

Gold Coast would have to agree to trade Swallow given he is contracted until the end of 2017 and the Kangas would only pursue a deal if confident his troublesome knee will heal.

The Swallow brothers have long stated they would love to play together and a fit David would give the Kangas another lick of class and courage as they chase a flag with an ageing list.

Andrew Swallow, who turns 30 next season, said his brother needed to find a club able to shake his medical woes.

David Swallow, 23, took the highly unusual step of seeking medical advice from North Melbourne high-performance manager Steve Saunders at his home this pre-season.

“I would tell (David) to try and find somewhere which can help get his body right,” Andrew Swallow said.

“We’ve only got a short period we can play footy and he’s missed so much in the last few years.”

David Swallow with his brother Andrew in 2011. Picture: Brendan Radke

David Swallow suffered consecutive injuries to his posterior cruciate ligament last year and underwent an arthroscope from a different orthopedic surgeon at the start of this season.

He has since suffered bone bruising and remains an indefinite prospect.

Swallow’s management is scheduled to meet Gold Coast officials this week as part of routine discussions on several players, including the Suns’ 2014 club champion.

Swallow recently resumed running and wants to return to footy late in this season while Saunders’ involvement effectively flags North’s interest.

On the eve of David’s AFL debut Andrew forecast that the West Australian brothers would eventually unite.

“I’d definitely like to play with him at some stage, and mum and dad would love it and Dave is pretty keen as well,” he said.

“We’ll wait and see, but hopefully at the Kangas would be nice.”

The Suns are also nervous midfield stars Jaeger O’Meara and Dion Prestia could seek trades at the end of the season.

Hawthorn has been linked to Rising Star winner O’Meara — who is also struggling with a serious knee injury — while the Demons are likely to target ball magnet Prestia.

Last year they traded away Harley Bennell (Fremantle), Charlie Dixon (Port Adelaide) and Zac Smith (Geelong) while Josh Caddy was offloaded to the Cats after just two seasons.

Ruckman Tom Nicholls could command interest after losing the No. 1 ruck mantle to Daniel Currie while Sam Day and Adam Saad are also out of contract.

Swallow joined the Suns’ VFL side as a 17-year-old in 2010 and played 73 AFL games in the club’s first four years.

In 2014 he became the first player to take the best-and-fairest off captain Gary Ablett but managed just six games last year and has not been sighted this season.