AFL Trade Whispers: Dees eye Henry in bold bid to retain Pickett

Liam Henry is more likely to play for a Victorian membership in 2024 as Melbourne eyes the Fremantle younger gun in a daring bid to retain Kysaiah Pickett, stories The Herald Sun.

The West Australian Henry, who was taken three alternatives earlier than Pick 12 and good pal Pickett within the 2019 AFL draft, fell out of favour on the Dockers final season, taking part in simply seven video games.

The Herald Sun’s Jon Ralph revealed on Fox Footy final 12 months Henry might’ve joined a number of departures at Fremantle that included Rory Lobb, Blake Acres and Griffin Logue as rival golf equipment circled the 21-year outdated, who’s out of contract on the finish of the 2023 season, earlier than he finally stayed put.

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However with Henry anticipated to be on the transfer later this 12 months, the Demons are reportedly set to make a play for him to unite him with Pickett to assist persuade the livewire to re-sign with the membership.

St Kilda can be seen as a suitor for Henry given new record boss Stephen Silvagni positioned a bid on him whereas at Carlton within the 2019 draft earlier than Fremantle matched with its Next Generation Academy hyperlink.

The report additionally states Melbourne is hoping to safe Pickett, 21, on an extension between three to 5 seasons and desires to kick off talks with him previous to Round 1.

The Age in the meantime stories the Demons won’t be speeding Pickett to make a name on his future and that rival golf equipment’ record managers worth the 2021 premiership participant at round $600,000 per season.

Pickett, who was linked to Port Adelaide final commerce interval, is believed to be completely satisfied in Melbourne, however will probably be among the many most in-demand stars that’s at present set to hit the market on the finish of the season if an extension isn’t reached.

He’s coming off a career-best 41-goal marketing campaign after booting 40 majors in 2021.

The Power at present don’t have a first-round choose to make use of this 12 months following the Jason Horne-Francis commerce. However ought to Pickett decide to depart the Demons, The Herald Sun stories he’d be extra more likely to land at WA, the place he grew up, than South Australia, the place he later moved to and was drafted from.

Pickett additionally has extra household in WA, whereas Fremantle – the place good pal Luke Jackson was traded to this low season – is among the many golf equipment circling the small ahead.