James Stewart nominated Essendon as his preferred destination on Tuesday, but the Bombers remained locked in a standoff with Melbourne over a price for Michael Hibberd.
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Hibberd – one of the 34 current and former Dons banned in January by the Court of Arbitration for Sport for the 2016 season – is contracted for 2017, but requested a trade in August, with the Bombers saying then that they would not stand in his way. Hibberd last month said he wanted to head to the Demons, however with less than two days left in the trade period, the two clubs have been unable to reach a deal for the defender. Essendon want Melbourne's second-round pick (currently No. 29) in exchange for the backman, but the Demons are unwilling to part with the selection – their only pick in the first 56 spots of this year's draft. Melbourne – who must pick three players in this year's draft – have offered their second-round selection next year.
The Bombers are no strangers to protracted trade talks, with deals for Paddy Ryder (2014) and Jake Carlisle (2015) both dragging deep into trade period. The Demons are without a first-round pick this year having traded it to Gold Coast last year.
Fringe Greater Western Sydney forward Stewart is expected to join the Bombers in a deal involving a late pick or picks, or in the pre-season draft.
Out-of-contract, Stewart had been offered a new one-year deal by the Giants but with opportunities limited at the strong expansion club, he attracted interest from several clubs in his home state of Victoria. Stewart's choice was ultimately between the Bombers and Carlton. Stewart, 22, played 18 games in four seasons at GWS, and is the son of former Collingwood and Richmond player Craig Stewart.
The Magpies overlooked James as a father-son selection. He kicked 48 goals for the Giants' NEAFL side this year, but made just one senior appearance.
The Bombers say they expect a deal between the Suns and Hawthorn for Gold Coast's Jaeger O'Meara to materialise, but are willing to pounce if there is no deal.
