Trade guide: Melbourne must get creative in search for final puzzle piece

MELBOURNE’S flag window is wide open but the Demons desperately need one type of player. David King says it’s time to get creative at the trade table.

Aaron Hall is just the type of player Melbourne needs. Picture: Michael Klein

REGARDLESS of the Demons’ finishing position at season’s end it’s apparent the Melbourne Football Club will have a sustained opportunity for success. Remarkably, from this point forward their window is wide open.

Max Gawn and Tom McDonald have gone to the elite level of the AFL competition and the performances of targeted recent recruits Jake Melksham, Michael Hibberd, Jordan Lewis and Jake Lever would give the back-office confidence to launch again.

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Have Melbourne’s forward line missed Jack Watts? They’re the highest-scoring AFL team and the best at converting inside-50 entries into a goal, so I’d say they’re going OK without Jack.

The Dees desperately need a first receive from clearance type, preferably with speed to compliment their brutally tough midfield, but without a first round national draft selection (due to Jake Lever trade) they’ll need to get creative.

Melbourne has nailed the national draft over the past few seasons including Charlie Spargo and Bayley Fritsch last year, and need to keep filling peripheral roles.

This is a recruiting off-season of critical importance as they’ve climbed the ladder but need to go to the next level for premiership success. An Aaron Hall type would be perfect ….

LIAM TWOMEY LOOKS AT MELBOURNE’S TRADE OPTIONS

IN PLAY

1. Dom Tyson

Age: 25

Games in 2018: 7

The Demons have some solid midfield depth which has already resulted in Tyson spending time in the VFL. He has plenty to give at AFL level and will look at his options.

2. Angus Brayshaw

Age: 22

Games in 2018: 10

Before the talk about Tyson’s future ramped up, it was Brayshaw who had question marks around where he might be in 2019. He is now settled in the seniors but is yet to sign a new deal.

3. Neville Jetta

Age: 28

Games in 2018: 13

Jetta may only be weeks away from an All-Australian gong but Melbourne fans remain nervous with the soon to be free agent unsigned beyond this year.

Dom Tyson has spent time in the VFL this year. Picture: Michael Klein

BUY BUY BUY

1. Andrew Gaff

Age: 26

Club: West Coast

One of the hottest free agents on the market this off-season, the Demons are right in the mix to lure Gaff should he decide to make the move back to Melbourne.

2. Luke Dahlhaus

Age 25

Club: Western Bulldogs

Games in 2018: 14

The Demons need a little bit of experience on the big stage. So why not go and get someone who has stood up when the pressure is at its hottest? Adding Dahlhaus would be the perfect mix of forward and pinch-hitting midfielder.

3. Mitch Wallis

Age: 25

Club: Western Bulldogs

It looks more and more likely Wallis could be looking for a new home next year and with the Demons chasing midfielders, he is worth a look. Would they be better signing Tyson though?

Western Bulldogs’ utility Luke Dahlhaus. Picture: Michael Klein

WINS AND ROUNDABOUTS

It was all going so well. Less than a month ago it looked like Jake Lever was the missing piece that would carry Melbourne to a drought-breaking flag. While his year is now done, there is no faulting the trade. The Demons paid two first round picks to get Lever and the short glimpse proved he was worth both of them. Now, they just have to wait.

FANTASY QUICK FIX

With the Demons still chasing a premiership in 2018, a Lever replacement would be at the top of the list. Securing West Coast intercept marking beast Jeremy McGovern for the run to finals and beyond would be a good start. Not only will he beat his man, McGovern would make the entire back six better and allow the inexperienced Demons to walk a little taller in September.