The Demons' pending 2025 trade period has taken another pulsating twist, with reports suggesting that the club has backed out of its pursuit of GWS forward Wade Derksen.
The shock backflip comes after AFL Media's Cal Twomey stated that Melbourne is in the box seat to land Collingwood premiership forward Brody Mihocek, who has been weighing up offers from the Dees and Magpies in recent weeks.
Derksen did not receive a contract extension from the Giants for 2026 and was unable to be moved in the 2024 trade period, despite requesting a trade to Victoria.
Melbourne's decision to favour their chase of Mihocek demonstrates their confidence in their ability to land the five-time Collingwood leading goalkicker.
"If there's not a decision made by Friday, then, like we heard with Jamie Elliott, who made that snap decision... then we can see Brody Mihocek getting towards that point," Twomey said on AFL Trade Radio.
"If it's not made on Friday night by the Copeland Trophy, then Saturday you'd expect a decision, and it's favouring towards heading to Melbourne."
Melbourne's interest in Mihocek comes as new coach Steven King steps into his role and plans to build the club's list for 2026 and beyond.
The Demons' key forward struggles have been a point of conversation at the club since their 2021 flag, so Mihocek poses as an immediate solution to the problem.
King has spoken about his keenness to bring in experienced assets, suggesting they value Mihocek's proven goal-kicking ability over Derksen's potential.
The 24-year-old has been unable to make an AFL debut at the Giants, but has starred at the VFL level in a variety of roles, playing best up forward. He kicked multiple goals on 14 occasions across 36 games between 2023 and 2024 before the Giants swung him into defence in 2025.
