Dons midfielder a “really gettable” trade target following successful AFL return

Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel could be gettable this trade period according to AFL Media’s Cal Twomey.

Shiel played just his second AFL game for the season in last Friday’s win over Collingwood and he showed he still can perform at the top level with 26 disposals and eight tackles in the 12-point win.

Given he’s languished in the VFL for most of the year behind the likes of Zach Merrett, Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell, Twomey thinks that he’s well and truly gettable in a trade deal despite having one year left to go on his big-money contract.

He also believes that Essendon would have to consider any deal if they can get something of value via trade.

“He was back to some really good form, particularly in the second half last week,” Twomey said on AFL.com.au’s Gettable.

“I still believe he’s really gettable, he still has one year to go on his contract.

“He probably has most of his big money paid for throughout that deal given Essendon has had salary cap space across those years.

“If Essendon can get something for him, I think they’d have to look at it.

“But he’s still gettable, particularly if he performs because there’ll probably be more value and potentially more suitors.”

While Essendon might prefer to keep Shiel given he is proven AFL depth, Twomey doesn’t believe that the 31-year-old is happy being a backup player for the rest of his career.

“Then the Essendon decision is,  ‘Are we happy losing him given the depth he offers?’,” Twomey said.

“But I don’t think he wants to be a depth player.”

Shiel is set to play in his third AFL game for the season when the Bombers meet the Demons at the MCG on Saturday night.