Melbourne’s next coach Simon Goodwin in regular contact with trade target Michael Hibberd

MELBOURNE coach-in-waiting Simon Goodwin says he has frequent catch-ups with trade target Michael Hibberd as the Demons circle the banned Bomber.

Mchael Hibberd is in regular contact with Demons coach-in-waiting Simon Goodwin. Picture: Michael Klein

MELBOURNE coach-in-waiting Simon Goodwin says he has frequent catch-ups with trade target Michael Hibberd as the Demons circle the banned Bomber.

Hibberd, 26, is overseas travelling with a group of the Bombers’ banned players and is expected to return to Melbourne later this month.

He is permitted to re-join training at Tullamarine in September, but is strongly considering a move to join close mates Goodwin and ex-teammate Jake Melksham at Melbourne.

Goodwin said he and Hibberd had strong friendship.

‘Hibbo’ and I catch up all the time,” Goodwin said on Triple M.

“We’ve been catching up for five years, so it’s certainly nothing new.”

But the man who will take over the Melbourne coaching reins from Paul Roos next season said he has not pressured Hibberd about his future.

Mchael Hibberd is in regular contact with Demons coach-in-waiting Simon Goodwin. Picture: Michael Klein

“While it’s been obviously well-talked about — the discussions with Michael — but in real terms nothing has been discussed,” Goodwin said.

“Michael is a contracted player at Essendon, he’s got a decision to make about where he wants his future to be.

“Like all players, we will have genuine interest in as many players as we can in the off-season, but now is not the time to be talking about that stuff.”

The Herald Sun reported last week Essendon and Melbourne are set for a trade time showdown over Hibberd’s worth.

Essendon will pursue a first-round draft pick for Hibbered, but Melbourne may not have a top-20 pick to satisfy the Bombers.

Originally published as Melbourne’s next coach Simon Goodwin in regular contact with trade target Michael Hibberd