MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 06: Joel Selwood of the Cats tackles Michael Hibberd of the Bombers during the round 10 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Geelong Cats at Etihad Stadium on June 6, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Banned Bomber Michael Hibberd is reportedly likely to request a trade to Melbourne.

The Herald Sun has reported that the Demons are becoming more and more confident of securing Hibberd during this year's trade period.

Hibberd is said to have a strong connection to assistant coach Simon Goodwin, who will take over the reins as head coach of the Dees from 2017.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 06: Joel Selwood of the Cats tackles Michael Hibberd of the Bombers during the round 10 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Geelong Cats at Etihad Stadium on June 6, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 06: Joel Selwood of the Cats tackles Michael Hibberd of the Bombers during the round 10 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Geelong Cats at Etihad Stadium on June 6, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

However, there is set to be some tough negotiating before a deal is struck, with the Bombers likely to seek a first round pick for Hibberd. Although Melbourne's earliest draft pick is currently pick No.27, in the second round.

The 26-year-old has played 84 games with the Bombers since making his debut in 2011 and he finished fourth in Essendon's 2014 best and fairest and eighth in 2015.

He has averaged 22 disposals, 13.5 kicks, 8.6 kicks and 5.7 marks during his career.

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