from today's Herald-SunEssendon will shift its attention to former St Kilda midfielder Luke Ball, who could be available to the Dons in the national draft at pick 24 or pick 26.
Not only will Ball provide valuable experience in the absence of McPhee, his departure creates valuable salary cap room.
While not in the top earners at Essendon, he was still well paid and the Bombers can use that money to satisfy Ball's stipulated salary.
Ball has put a price on his head, believed to be $500,000 a year over the first two years of a three-year contract.
What remains to be seen is if Melbourne takes Ball with either pick 11 or 18 in the national draft.
The Demons have not ruled out any strategy, and believe taking Ball at pick 18 would be sensational value given he is only 25 and has outstanding leadership.
Melbourne is unlikely to be scared off by speculation Ball could decide to skip next season and head overseas if chosen by a team he was unwilling to play with.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/adam-mcphee-gives-bombers-the-heave-ho/story-e6frf9jf-1225798382559
