The Eagles have had a less than ideal season 2021, however still amazingly find themselves inside the eight despite some harrowing displays.
It seems as though Adam Simpson and his side's time in the sun is up, with many of their major stars heading into the twilight years of their careers and the competition starting to pass them by.
However, the slide down the table and into a rebuild might not be as painful or lengthy as it could be should the Eagles backroom staff get it right over the next few years.
5 Trade Targets: Adelaide
5 Trade Targets: Brisbane
5 Trade Targets: Carlton
5 Trade Targets: Collingwood
5 Trade Targets: Essendon
5 Trade Targets: Fremantle
5 Trade Targets: Geelong
5 Trade Targets: Gold Coast
5 Trade Targets: GWS
5 Trade Targets: Hawthorn
5 Trade Targets: Melbourne
5 Trade Targets: North Melbourne
5 Trade Targets: Port Adelaide
5 Trade Targets: Richmond
5 Trade Targets: St. Kilda
5 Trade Targets: Sydney
In no particular order, here are five players which the Eagles recruitment team would do well to target and potentially poach.
4. Luke Jackson
The Dees young gun is likely to stay in Melbourne for the foreseeable future, but it would be wise for the Eagles to throw their hat in the ring should things change.
Jackson is a fantastic ruck/forward who has been in incredible form for Simon Goodwin's side in his breakout season.
He has featured in almost every game for Melbourne in 2021 and pops up at crucial points in the game down forward to kick important goals.
Ruck
Hitouts
Marks
Disposals
With Nic Naitanui getting towards the twilight years of his career, it might be wise for Adam Simpson's side to invest in a new ruckman who can have a similar effect to the 31-year-old.
With Jackson hailing from Perth there may come a time when he wishes go back west, whether that will be with the Dockers or Eagles is still yet to be seen.
However should the Eagles have the cap space at the time, then Jackson should be at the very top of their list.
