Melbourne youngster Judd McVee's desire to move to his home state Western Australia has been granted as the final element in what is effectively a blockbuster four-club trade.

The Dockers have acquired McVee for Pick 23, which they received from West Coast as a part of the three-club Brandon Starcevich deal earlier on Wednesday.

The Dockers add some extra speed with McVee playing across half back, helping turn defence into attack alongside Jordan Clark and Heath Chapman. At just 22 years old, McVee poses as a long-term element to Fremantle's defensive mix as they enter their latest premiership window, joining one of the AFL's youngest playing lists.

Fremantle Head of Player Personnel David Walls noted that McVee is a player the Dockers have been keen on bringing home.

“He's one we've had our eye on for a while, so to get the deal done early in the trade period is great for the club,” Walls said.

“We know the calibre of player Judd is and we've seen him play lockdown roles and across halfback for the Demons.

“He's composed and unflustered with ball in hand and we think he has great creative ability as well when bringing the ball out of defence.

“To bring in a player of Judd's quality while also maintaining a presence in the first round of the upcoming Telstra Draft is an outcome we're really pleased with.

“Still just 22 years old with 65 AFL games already under his belt, we think he fits the age profile of our list nicely and still has plenty of growth left in him.”

McVee was drafted out of East Fremantle in the WAFL as a rookie ahead of the 2022 season, and played 65 games in the red and blue, often tasked with curbing some of the league's most prominent small forwards.

He averaged 14.4 disposals and 4.5 marks per game in 2025.