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.
Western Bulldogs
The aforementioned Bulldogs are heavily into Crows free agent Jordon Butts, but could they also look at Ben McKay?
Luke Beveridge's list is stacked in all parts of the ground, except the two key anchors in defence.
James O'Donnell has emerged as a gun despite starting his professional career as a cricketer, while Buku Khamis and Rory Lobb have battled impressively despite being undersized or out-strengthened on many occasions this year.
The Bulldogs are primed for a tilt at the premiership, and need a couple of pieces to further push that agenda.
