Melbourne midfielder Brent Moloney set to quit Demons and become AFL's first fre

[Jroo]

On the superfooty website

Moloney is certain to leave the Demons and up to six clubs, including Sydney and Port Adelaide, are pursuing the Melbourne 2011 best-and-fairest winner.

At least one Melbourne club is circling. Essendon tried but failed to lure him during last year's trade period.

The hard-nut 145-game onballer has fallen out of favour with the Dees and on Sunday will play his last game as a Melbourne player for VFL feeder side Casey Scorpions.

It has been a remarkable fall from grace for a man who last year polled 19 votes in the Brownlow Medal, placing equal 10th.

But top-four placed Sydney has a brilliant track record of recruiting mature-age players from rival clubs.

It is believed Moloney, 28, is happy to move interstate to join his third AFL club. He played two years at Geelong before moving to the Dees as part of the deal that brought Brad Ottens to the Cats.

Moloney's manager Bruce Kaider, of One Management, raised eyebrows in May when he suggested Moloney could be a test case for the free agency market.

He has averaged just 17 disposals in 2012, down from 23 last season.

The free agency frenzy will begin on October 1, less than 48 hours after the Grand Final. Clubs will be free to lodge offers with eligible free agents from rival clubs.

Moloney is a restricted free agent, meaning the Dees would have the ability to match any offer.

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld last week spoke publicly about Moloney's battle to win senior selection this season.

"Brent's work ethic to try and get into form has been really good. Unfortunately he's just not in great form,'' Neeld said.

Moloney will meet with Melbourne coaching staff as soon as Monday to discuss his future.

He is ineligible to compete for Casey in the VFL finals series beyond Sunday's qualifying final against Werribee.

At his prime last year, Moloney was one of the league's leading clearance players, but he has spent more time forward in 2012.

He was overlooked for selection in Melbourne's leadership group this year.

Would you consider him in your 2013 SC Team at the right price if Moloney moves team?

[Kellogscrunchynut]

Definatly, while I doubt that he will be in my team at the business end of the year he could prove to be a great stepping stone.

[quinny88]

Not for me.
Ive made a new rule for myself not to take mid priced players unless im pretty certain they can become a keeper.
Moloneys best ever season avg is 99 which still isnt worthy of a mid spot in a finished team

[Talisman]

Tell you what though, will improve any team he moves to in the AFL. Neeld too obsessed with his precious "structures" to realise that some players can be allowed a little bit of leg-rope, whilst the less talented, role-players can help cover for him. Think GAJ, Pendles, Swanny, Marc Murphy - all players that are allowed to run with a little more freedom because they can be so damaging with the ball. Not saying Moloney is as good as those 4, but within the microcosm that is the Melbourne Football Club he was the equivilant of them during the 2010 season.

I'd be fascinated to see if the Cats look to bring him back, seeing as they seem to be destined to miss out on Boak (after even hoping for Dangerfield - however unrealistic that was!)...

Really interested to see what will happen with free agency...

[Capper]

interesting that Sydney are interested in him, would be a good get if we can get him.

[quinny88]

interesting that Sydney are interested in him, would be a good get if we can get him.

Not sure why Sydney would want him.
Bolton, Jack, Parker, Kennedy, Hannebery, Okeefe, with a whole bunch of others that rotate through there. Moloney would be a long long way down the pecking order at sydney

[kilbluff1985]

his Exactly what the bombers need to help Jobe out but wont care to much if we don't get him i think we need Chaplin more

[MC]

Would surely have to depend on which team picks him up. Essendon need another decent mid, so he could fit there, or else the doggies or someone might grab him. Priced as averaging 67, with the potential to jump to 90+ is tempting, as he could rise above 500k and be almost straight-swapped for a fallen prem. Next year will be interesting, and i'm guessing most will have a few mid price risks across all lines to be successful.

[bowyanger]

interesting that Sydney are interested in him, would be a good get if we can get him.

We cant possibly have any money to do this

[youl_R_FCK]

Look at Luke ball before he went to pies. No good, look at pies with out him. Could become a good fringe/top10 player like ball at any club. ANY hawks cats pies swans. But all tight asses and will want him cheep. Prob end up and a side like port

[quinny88]

Look at Luke ball before he went to pies. No good, look at pies with out him. Could become a good fringe/top10 player like ball at any club. ANY hawks cats pies swans. But all tight asses and will want him cheep. Prob end up and a side like port

Ball was still a good player before the pies he was just a bit out of favour with the saints in his last couple of year and a half there for whatever reason.

[KoopKicka]

Really hope he comes to Port