The Age’s Sam McClure says he “would be surprised” if Adam Tomlinson plays for Melbourne next season.
Tomlinson, 29, has a year remaining on his deal at the Demons but could assess his options after falling out of favour this season.
Having played just eight AFL games in 2022, the former Giant was forced to feature 14 times at VFL level for Casey, averaging 21.9 disposals and 5.6 marks a game in the state league.
McClure says Tomlinson is one of multiple players the Demons will need to make calls on with Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy likely to arrive via trade.
“They got their own issues, Melbourne at the moment, heading into the trade period,” McClure said on Sportsday.
“Depending on what happens with Brodie Grundy, but they’ve got some players they’ve got to make decisions about.
“(Adam) Tomlinson’s got a year left on his deal. Has been injured and then couldn’t break back into the team.
“I would be surprised if Adam is still there next year.”
Tomlinson joined the Demons as an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2019 season on a deal worth a reported $500,000 a year.
Luke Jackson is set to join Fremantle while Sam Weideman could be another Demon in trade talks.