A Melbourne presidency player
has reportedly asked to be traded, while a Western Bulldogs midfielder is
looking to join a Melbourne-based club next season. Stay knowledgeable on all
the latest player movement news with AFL Trade Whispers.
DEMONS
MIDFIELDER REQUESTS TRADE
Melbourne utility Alex
Neal-Bullen has reportedly seeked a trade, as revealed by *The Age* journalist
Marc McGowan on Tuesday night. The 28-year-old, who is reduceed with the Demons
until the end of 2026, is believed to be seeking a return to his home state of
South Australia. His resolution is reportedly unrelated to any concerns about
Melbourne's trajectory.
Neal-Bullen, a valuable member
of Melbourne's squad, signed a three-year inclusion last year and has seen his
role filled, especially in the leave of Christian Petracca. According to
McGowan, while the Adelaide Crows are aware of Neal-Bullen's desire to return
home, they are allowing conversation to proceed at Melbourne. Meanwhile, Port
Adelaide appears more focused on retaining its draft capital.
With Melbourne potentially
interested in bringing Power flanker Dan Houston back home, a player swap
involving Neal-Bullen and complementary draft picks could be a possibility.
BULLDOGS
MIDFIELDER WANTS MELBOURNE MOVE
Western Bulldogs midfielder
Jack Macrae is reportedly eyeing a shift to a Melbourne-based club if he leaves
the Bulldogs this year. Although it is not yet certain that the 30-year-old
will depart, he has played just 16 senior games this season, his lowest tally
since his rookie year.
Herald Sun journalist Jay
Clark discussed Macrae's situation on Fox Footy’s *Midweek Tackle* on Tuesday
night, stating that Macrae is set to have a candid conversation with Bulldogs
coach Luke Beveridge and other officials at season's end. The key question will
be whether Macrae is still in the club’s senior plans for next year. If there’s
uncertainty, Macrae will likely explore his options.
Given his current family
situation, Macrae is not particularly interested in leaving Melbourne. With a
contract that runs until 2027, he is focused on finding a spot at a
Melbourne-based club if he changes teams. However, Clark noted that there may
not be an obvious fit among the city's clubs, which include Carlton,
Collingwood, St Kilda, Hawthorn, Richmond, North Melbourne, and Melbourne.
Clark also floated the
possibility of Macrae moving to Geelong, potentially alongside Bulldogs
teammate Bailey Smith, though he expressed doubts about Macrae's willingness to
make the hour-long commute. “I really think it is a Melbourne club that Jack
Macrae wants to play at next year. It’s going to be interesting,” Clark said.
Macrae is set to become an
unrestricted free agent in 2027.
