Docker Mellington wants trade back to Victoria
Josh Mellington has asked Fremantle to be traded home to Victoria after failing to lock down a regular game in his three years on the Dockers list.
Mellington, 20, from country Victoria, was a third-round draft pick in 2010 but has struggled for opportunities at Fremantle, who boast a large pool of talented small to medium forwards.
He was sidelined by a serious hamstring injury last year and has managed just six AFL games in three seasons because of the impressive form of Hayden Ballantyne, Michael Walters, Matt de Boer and Hayden Crozier.
The official trade period opens today and a host of players are expected to move clubs before the October 25 deadline.
High-profile Collingwood pair Heath Shaw and Dale Thomas are two of the biggest names finding new homes, with Thomas almost certain to join Carlton and Shaw in talks with as many as seven clubs.
Greater Western Sydney midfielder Taylor Adams wants to return to Victoria and could announce his preferred club as early as today.
Richmond, Geelong and Melbourne are among the suitors.
Mellington starred for West Perth in the WAFL this season, kicking 34 goals in 20 games and playing a key role in the Falcons' premiership.
Despite his impressive WAFL form, his only game for the Dockers this season came in round 23 against St Kilda when coach Ross Lyon rested nearly half his first-choice team in the lead-up to the finals.
Mellington still has a year to run on his contract but his manager Jason Dover has fielded interest from Victorian clubs and was confident a suitable trade could be done.
"To get closer to family would be good for him, but we're mainly looking for more opportunity because he's in a long line of half-forward flankers at the moment at Fremantle," Dover said.
"There's been a handful of clubs that have shown some interest, but given that he's been a contracted player it's been hard to progress that interest.
"We're hopeful that with this announcement now we can go to the next step with the trade period, beginning to shore up that interest and see if we might be able to get a deal that's agreeable to Fremantle and get him back home.
"They (Fremantle) seem willing to try to make it happen for us, which is really good by them. Whilst Josh is happy in Perth and liking the club, opportunity to play is everything. He feels like he's ready to play."
Claremont product Tom Ledger could be on the way back to Perth after he was delisted by St Kilda. Ledger, 21, played eight games for the Saints in three seasons and has attracted the attention of Fremantle and West Coast.
It is believed his preference is to return home but three Victorian clubs have also expressed interest.
Richmond are making a play for Carlton ruckman Shaun Hampson as back-up for Ivan Maric, while St Kilda veteran Nick Dal Santo is still on North Melbourne's radar.
