AFL trade news: Shane McAdam requests trade, Tom Doedee’s future

The Demons are in the box seat to secure Shane McAdam, after the exciting forward requested a trade from West Lakes. Could the Crows ask for a player in return?

Tom Doedee and Shane McAdam

Melbourne is in the box seat to secure exciting Adelaide forward Shane McAdam after the playmaker told the Crows he wanted to be traded.

The 183cm McAdam has rebuffed the Crows’ attempts to re-sign him on a three-year deal and is in talks about a move to the Demons.

It is a blow to the Crows as important defender Tom Doedee is also weighing up an offer from Brisbane Lions in what could be a double hit for Matthew Nicks’ men.

McAdam’s trade call could be a huge coup for the Demons who are keen to add to their forward stocks next season in partnership with Kysaiah Pickett and Kade Chandler inside the attacking half.

The Demons had some interest in Saint Jade Gresham but have turned their attention to McAdam after he played only seven games this season at an average 10 touches a game.

But the Crows haven’t given up hope McAdam will stay and will play hardball in talks with the Demons on a trade for the 28-year-old.

This masthead understands the Crows may ask for a player in return for McAdam rather than a draft pick after an excellent trade period last year landing Izak Rankine from Gold Coast.

Shane McAdam has asked to be traded. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Demons could be willing to entertain offers for midfielder James Harmes and backman Adam Tomlinson, although trade talks are yet to begin on a likely deal for McAdam.

And the Crows are also facing a fight to keep defender Doedee amid strong interest from Brisbane in the backman.

The Lions are keen to bolster their back half to support Harris Andrews and Jack Payne and have identified Doedee as a key addition.

The free agent has put off talks on a new deal at Adelaide after suffering a second knee reconstruction this season, clouding his future.

Adelaide has only offered a moderate deal for Doedee, 26, but remain keen to keep the defender as part of its attempts to jump into the eight next season.

But it remains unclear whether the Crows would match a reported five-year offer from Brisbane in a bid to extend his career up north under Chris Fagan.

The Crows were dudded when an incorrect goal umpire decision in the loss to Sydney Swans cost them a chance to play finals this season.

But the Crows, who have lost a string of key players in recent years including Mitch McGovern, Jake Lever and Brad Crouch, could be hit with two more player departures in a significant twist to the Crows’ postseason plans.

The Crows are in a strong position to leap into the finals mix next season but the loss of McAdam and Doedee would hurt Adelaide for 2024.

Tom Doedee is weighing up an offer from the Lions. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Adelaide has shown considerable faith in McAdam in recent years and are adamant he is a key player in the club’s best 22 for next season.

But Adelaide on Wednesday confirmed McAdam was keen to explore a move for next season.

“Adelaide forward Shane McAdam has spoken with the Club and told of his intention to consider rival offers,” the Crows’ statement said.

“The Crows have a contract in front of the 28-year-old and would be disappointed if he did not continue his career at West Lakes.

“McAdam was a mature-age pre-draft selection to Carlton from Sturt in 2018 and he was then immediately traded to the Crows.

“The club will continue talks with McAdam and his management in the lead up to the upcoming trade period.”

Originally published as AFL trade news: Shane McAdam requests trade, Tom Doedee’s future