"Three first-round picks."
That's what Melbourne would need for a rival club to enter the conversation about potentially trading star forward Kysaiah Pickett.
The Demons have consistently fought off ongoing circulation surrounding the contracted Pickett's future, who is locked away at the Demons until the end of 2027.
It is expected that Fremantle will come hard for the 23-year-old while links to Port Adelaide surely have them around the mark.
However, Melbourne president Brad Green was stern in what he thinks Pickett is worth, saying the club was more than pleased to keep him in the red and blue.
"Whatever way this goes we will be OK," Green said, according to the Herald Sun.
"We will either keep a highly talented A-grade player, who we all love, because he is a terrific guy and a unique talent, or another club โ whether that is West Coast or Fremantle โ it (trade) will be three first-round picks.
"And if we don't get that quality of picks, or a player component, unfortunately, ' Kozzie' you are not going. There is no negotiation. That is the reality of where it sits and he knows that.
"We all like to be romantic and loving and compassionate, but we are here to run a football club and he is not saying he wants to get out of the joint, there is more to it than that."
For reference, Jeremy Cameron costed Geelong three first-round picks and a future fourth-round selection.
The year before, The Cats received Picks 14, 24, 37 and a future first from the Eagles for Tim Kelly (and Pick 52 and a future third-round pick).
Melbourne willingly let Rising Star ruckman Luke Jackson return to Western Australia in exchange for picks 13, a future first and a future second, whilst sending back Picks 44 and 67.
The Demons picked up Matthew Jefferson and Caleb Windsor.
As it stands, given his contracted status, Melbourne has the whip hand.
The market for star players has dramatically changed, and will only continue to do so.
Pickett is an established star of the competition, kicking 161 goals in 106 outings, and looks poised to add the midfield string to his bow.
And at the ripe age of 23, his untapped potential will see Melbourne demand a steep asking price.
The question is, will a club facilitate their desires?
