Fringe Dockers tall Lloyd Meek has been touted as the fitting type of player that could have his services utilised at another club as part of a mid-season trade period.
As the Mid-Season Rookie Draft took place this week, discussions around a mid-year trade window were once again sparked, with AFLPA president Patrick Dangerfield among those praising the concept.
Wednesday's draft was the third of its kind since its induction into the AFL calendar in 2019, with 17 players earning a spot on an AFL list.
While several clubs were able to fill required needs with rookie selections, a trade period could see players currently on the periphery of their side's best 22 find new homes in a win-win situation.
Ruckmen have become an in-demand asset across the past 12 months, having been the highlight of last year's Mid-Season Draft and subsequent off-season exchange windows.
With this year's trade and free agency likely to see clubs wheeling and dealing ruckmen once again, Meek's name has hypothetically emerged as a fitting target for a mid-season trade period.
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Speaking on AFL Nation, Sydney and Melbourne great Gerard Healy flagged the 24-year-old as a target that would earn a starting role for almost half the competition.
“Lloyd Meek is the name, I’m a big fan of his,” Healy said.
“He still has a long way to go, but he can play and is a serious player. I don’t think he’s going to force his way into Fremantle’s best 22.
“This is the problem with people saying there shouldn’t be a (mid-season) trade period. You have this kid who I think would be a first ruck in eight of the 18 teams.
“I have no question he’d be a walk up start.”
Meek has played just 13 games for the Dockers since being drafted in 2017, having played second fiddle to star tall Sean Darcy at Cockburn.
Since making his debut last year, Meek has impressed in the occasional absence of Darcy due to injury, averaging 22 hit-outs and 11.25 disposals this season.
The Mininera product is currently contracted to Fremantle until the end of next season, having re-signed with the club in September last year.
