Adam Tomlinson

Demons defender Adam Tomlinson “frustrated” as club search continues: AFL trade news

“If someone comes we’ll entertain and have a look at it and see whether it works best for both parties.”

Published by
Mitch Keating

Contracted Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson is yet to see strong enough interest emerge in his services this off-season as he continues to assess his options for 2023.

While still being signed to the Demons until the end of 2024, Tomlinson will step into the open market in hope of gaining interest and more opportunities at AFL level.

The 29-year-old managed just the eight games in 2022, having fallen in the Demons' selection pecking order among their key defenders as he recovered from a season-ending ACL injury sustained last season.

Premiership trio Jake Lever, Steven May and Harrison Petty have secured their sports under senior coach Simon Goodwin, placing Tomlinson on the periphery.

The situation has left Tomlinson to weigh up a move to a third club, having joined Melbourne from GWS at the end of the 2019 season.

Speaking on Trade Radio, Tomlinson's manager Brett Deledio revealed his client will be satisfied with remaining in red and blue, but a move away from Melbourne is desired.

"At the moment we're sort of in the hands of Timmy Lamb and the Dees, just to get something and another club to participate," Deledio said.

"For Tommo, he's a contracted player and loves the boys, loves the club, but he's frustrated he's not playing senior footy.

"You can understand that unfortunately his injury and (having) spent 12 months on the sideline, sometimes a knee reco can take a little while to get you back up to playing your best footy.

Steven May and Adam Tomlinson during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between Melbourne and Western Bulldogs (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

"He played some solid footy this year, was one of the best in the VFL in the flag they won, but Thommo wants to be playing senior footy at the age that he is.

"If someone comes we'll entertain and have a look at it and see whether it works best for both parties. But essentially he's contracted and happy to stay there if nothing comes about."

When asked whether clubs have made contact in regards to Tomlinson's services, Deledio stated things have been quiet, but the market could change.

"There's a few that are watching space in terms of what they can get done, where the cards fall," Deledio said.

"We've seen Griffin Logue go to North Melbourne, (Zaine) Cordy go to the Saints, there's a couple of key backs.

"Things can change really quickly, as it did for Tommo, playing lockdown as a fullback, starting top 22 to struggling to find his way back in."

Tomlinson has played 168 games in the top flight, including 28 matches in three seasons with the Demons.

Published by
Mitch Keating