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.
Collingwood
Craig McRae's defence has largely been undermanned for the majority of the 2026 campaign, but somehow did enough to remain in contests a lot longer than many pundits' first predictions.
But with a lack of confidence in captain Darcy Moore's body and Jeremy Howe set to be managed more so next year, given he is expected to pen a one-year deal, Collingwood's defence needs help.
Billy Frampton held up surprisingly; he should've been included in the All-Australian squad.
But when Brayden Maynard is playing on key forwards, and the use of Noah Howes and Liam Puncher is McRae's only go-to to hinder opposition talls, there's a clear need inside the defensive 50.
