ESSENDON has emerged as the latest potential suitor for out-of-favour Melbourne forward Tom McDonald
The Bombers have registered their interest in McDonald as they canvass options to soften the loss of Joe Daniher’s departure to the Brisbane Lions.
GWS was also discussing McDonald before moving for drastically discounted Docker Jesse Hogan.
McDonald has two years to run on a lucrative four-year contract he signed half-way through his glittering 2018 season.
But his form and output has plummeted in the two seasons since, casting doubt on his future at the Demons.
McDonald has vowed to return to Melbourne as a leaner and more mobile figure, but he also knows he could be traded in something of a salary dump, even if the Dees are not desperate as Collingwood to ease cap pressure.
The imminent arrival of Ben Brown is also likely to push McDonald further down the pecking order.
Essendon has been considering formulating a trade for Gold Coast big man Peter Wright. Like McDonald, Wright has two years to go on a three-year contract only signed last year.
Wright failed to play a senior game this year and, like Suns teammate Will Brodie, is very much on the trade table.
Wright, 24, is four years younger than McDonald, 28. The Bombers’ sudden swing to McDonald has some suspecting Essendon could be using the Demon as leverage to acquire Wright on the cheap.
But it’s understood Melbourne is willing to pay more of McDonald’s contract to move than Gold Coast is of Wright’s.
The trade period ends at 7.30pm Thursday.