Melbourne has an interest in recruiting Bulldog Josh Schache.
SEN Chief Sports Reporter Sam Edmund broke the news on Tuesday morning, but added it was far from a done deal.
Schache managed just seven games in 2022 and was even used behind the ball at times, with the Western Bulldogs struggling to fit the key forward into the mix ahead of the footy.
It’s unlikely to become any easier for Schache to break into the side with the possible recruitment of Rory Lobb and the continued development of a number of young players.
But for Melbourne, who could lose Sam Weideman to Essendon despite the tall having a year to run on his contract, the move could prove fruitful.
Edmund suggested the Bulldogs wouldn’t haggle extensively over an asking price.
“Melbourne is considering bringing in Josh Schache, they have some sort of an interest here,” Edmund began on SEN Mornings.
“Schache is 25, remains without a contract for next year at the Kennel… you would think (he is) set to slip further down the pecking order there given the pursuit of (Rory) Lobb and the emergence of Sam Darcy, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton is there, perhaps a fit again Josh Bruce as well.
“Schache, 2015 pick two (in the National Draft) to the Brisbane Lions, he kicked 17 goals from his last three VFL games this year including two bags of seven, so there is some interest there.
“Let’s not put the cart in front of the horse and say it’s definitely happening. If it was to happen you think it would be a Will Setterfield-type arrangement. They wouldn’t have to give up a lot I would have thought.
“That would mean the Demons have lost Luke Jackson, Toby Bedford, Jayden Hunt, (but) they’re still going to get Brodie Grundy in there.”
Melbourne’s struggles forward of the ball were well noted in 2022, with Simon Goodwin’s team unable to capitalise with a smaller setup.
But Edmund tempered expectations on what Schache could achieve for the Demons.
“You wouldn’t in any way, shape or form put him up as the beacon of hope, the answer, given that I guess that was the postscript to Melbourne’s season, they couldn’t capitalise on their midfield dominance,” he added.
“So perhaps this does mean Sam Weideman is out the door to the Bombers and perhaps Melbourne is just after a bit of depth, a bit of competition for those key forward spots and maybe that’s led them to Schache.”
Weideman could reportedly move to the Dons in exchange for a third round pick after 59 games in seven years at Melbourne.