If Essendon is open to parting ways with contracted key defender Ben McKay, who would be the leading suitors for his services?
At his best, McKay is a lockdown defender, but has also shown strong traits in the ruck when used sparingly by Dean Solomon during his Bombers interim tenure.
The 2015 draftee was a big name to cross to Essendon after eight years at North Melbourne, signing a lucrative contract that was heavily front-loaded.
But now the Bombers are understood to be considering a breakup with McKay, who is contracted until the end of 2029.
New coach Mark McVeigh will play a strong role in the exit meetings as well as in McKay's future.
It's understood that delisting McKay is an option, whereas Essendon would prefer a trade to help add more draft capital to its hand, which includes Pick 1.
Melbourne
The Demons are a much-improved club under Steven King, playing with freedom and a unity that has troubled every side in the competition.
But where are their holes?
In the Wildcard Round loss to Carlton, without Jake Lever, Melbourne's defence looked rudderless, and Daniel Turner was no match for Harry McKay.
Would Ben McKay help alleviate the pressure placed on Turner and Lever?
Swingman Tom McDonald has retired, Steven May departed this year, and King is set on playing Harrison Petty inside 50.
