Melbourne makes pitch keep Demons free agents including defender James Frawley

MELBOURNE has made its pitch to players managers this week as it seeks to retain out-of-contract players including free agent James Frawley.

Melbourne defender James Frawley in action. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

MELBOURNE has made its pitch to players managers this week as it seeks to retain out-of-contract players including free agent James Frawley.

The key defender was exceptional last week against St Kilda, but is being heavily courted by a host of clubs including a Hawthorn side with a pair of veteran defenders.

Hawthorn has already made it known how keen they are to secure Frawley, who takes on West Coast star Josh Kennedy at the MCG this afternoon.

But the Demons confirmed this week they were revealing their list management strategy and total player payments position to managers.

Carlton’s Bryce Gibbs has drawn flak for asking the Blues for their list strategy, but managers say every club now hands that information to players as they try to re-sign them.

The Blues said they were “taken aback” by Gibbs’ request, although he is still tipped to stay at Carlton.

Frawley’s position has not changed at Melbourne — he still wants more time to assess the development of the club.

Yet with power clubs like Hawthorn coming hard at the unrestricted free agent, the Demons know their odds of securing him are at less than 50 per cent.

It is hard to see how another rival club would beat Hawthorn to the punch if he leaves given they can offer cash, tenure, a great culture and the chance to win flags.

Melbourne has also pushed to re-sign key forward Jesse Hogan despite his contract running to 2015.

But he is content to focus only on playing his first game of football as he battles back issues and is in no rush to ink a long-term deal.