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.
Adelaide
The Crows could put their hand up only because they could lose a pair of key defenders in the upcoming off-season.
Jordon Butts is tipped to return to Victoria and join the Western Bulldogs in search of more senior opportunities, while Nick Murray is being hunted by North Melbourne, albeit he is contracted.
Adelaide can hold Murray to his contract, but would fear keeping a player against his will if the Kangaroos win him over.
Enter McKay, who can play in a similar mould to Butts and Murray.
He'd pair nicely with attacking interceptors Mark Keane and Josh Worrell, while he or James Borlase would spearhead the defence.
