Luke Jackson trade still doesn’t fix Demons’ biggest problem

A monster trade is taking shape, but footy legend Garry Lyon says there is a much bigger problem the Demons seem unable to solve.

Brodie Grundy is out the door. Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

The possibility of Collingwood star Brodie Grundy replacing Luke Jackson at the Demons still doesn’t solve the club’s biggest problem, Melbourne legend Garry Lyon says.

Jackson, 20, who was a key part of Melbourne’s 2021 premiership win, told the club at his exit meeting on Tuesday that he wanted to be traded.

That came after months of speculation, the Dockers have been preparing a monster multi-million dollar contract offer for the star ruckman.

Fremantle is thought to be the leading contender to secure Jackson, although he didn’t nominate a preferred club, leaving the door open for the West Coast Eagles.

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The Herald Sun reports the Demons are demanding two picks inside the top 10 to let Jackson, the third pick in the 2019 draft, leave after three seasons with the team.

The Dockers are reportedly set for a very busy trade period with the club looking to trade out players, including ruckman Rory Lobb, in order to get the draft picks needed to trade with the Demons.

The Dockers’ first pick is currently number 13.

Luke Jackson celebrates a goal. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

West Coast currently has a stronger hand in the draft with three early picks at No. 2, 20 and 26. However, The Age reports that the Eagles are unwilling to trade their No. 2 pick.

The Demons are reportedly preparing to use one of those top-end draft picks in a potential trade with the Magpies surrounding Grundy’s long-term contract.

The Pies have been linked with several trade targets and are also in the middle of contract extension talks with Jordan De Goey.

It has been widely reported the club wants to move Grundy on and is even willing to pay some of his wages if he leaves.

Geelong and Port Adelaide were reported to have been interested in trading for Grundy, however, it has since been reported the Demons are the only destination being considered outside of Collingwood.

The possibility of Grundy and Max Gawn forming a superstar rucking partnership would leave the club in a strong position, however, Lyon said the potential blockbuster trade would not fix the Demons’ biggest issue — a lack of forward line firepower.

He told SEN Breakfast on Wednesday morning he can’t see Gawn or Grundy transitioning into key forward targets.

“Max and him can play in the same team, and that’s a great strength, but how do they fix the problem that has dogged them all year and that is forward of centre,” Lyon said.

Brodie Grundy of the Magpies. Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“If you do get two first rounders, then one of those goes to Collingwood for Brodie Grundy.

“The Demons lose Jackson, he’s gone, so they’re going to end up with two great ruckmen, how does that work in terms of sharing the load and all that? Because neither of them… look like they can go down here and fix this problem forward of centre.”

He said the Demons appear to be committed to the prospect of turning Gawn into a forward capable of kicking 35-45 goals per season.

“I don’t see that. I don’t. I think he’s an unbelievable footy player but I’m not sure he’s going to be the answer to their forward problems and therein lies the conundrum,” he said.

Grundy was struck down with a PCL injury on Anzac Day before an ankle setback ended his campaign. The Pies have been red hot in his absence with Darcy Cameron shouldering the ruck load in a breakout season.

Lyon said the state of play leaves the Demons with a strong bargaining position with both the Magpies and Dockers.

Originally published as Luke Jackson trade still doesn’t fix Demons’ biggest problem