Dees in hunt for disgruntled Eagle
Sam Edmund | October 04, 2008
MELBOURNE has declared its interest in West Coast premiership ruckman Mark Seaby.
The Demons, who are resigned to being beaten by Carlton in the chase for Fremantle ruckman Robbie Warnock, will now turn their attention to the 200cm Seaby.
Seaby, 24, has told West Coast he wants to be traded, fed up with the lack of game time in Dean Cox's shadow.
It is understood he has put a $250,000 price on his head for next season.
Melbourne football manager Chris Connolly said Seaby would be discussed.
"He's 24 years of age, so he is to be considered," he said.
"Our major focus is to better our position in the draft. We had a focus on two players, Alwyn Davey and Robbie Warnock, because they have brothers at our club and we know them quite well.
"We're focused on a plan concerning players 22 and under, but at 24 there's an argument that he (Seaby) could help us."
Richmond, Sydney and St Kilda are also believed to be interested in the mobile tap ruckman, who has played 97 games in five seasons.
Melbourne, which is expected to use the No. 1 pick on exciting forward Jack Watts, also has selections 17, 19, 35, 51 and 67 at its disposal to satisfy West Coast.
One scenario would have the Eagles allowing Seaby to go to the Demons, with an agreement that West Australian star Nicholas Naitanui would be left for West Coast to snap up with pick No. 2.
"Now that he's made that commitment, we'll have a list management meeting on Monday night and we'll consider all things that are out there," Connolly said.
Warnock is desperately wanted at Carlton to partner developing teenage ruckman Matthew Kreuzer. The Blues have offered Fremantle pick 24 for the 206cm giant, but are yet to get a response.
"We have got definite interest there and we think he would add to our club," Carlton coach Brett Ratten said.
"He's out of contract and wants to come home."
Ratten said he would continue to inquire about Sydney forward Ryan O'Keefe, despite Swans coach Paul Roos wanting a first-round draft pick in return for the 27-year-old.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24443599-19742,00.html