Greater Western Sydney and Fremantle are understood to be showing interest in Melbourne Next Generation Academy (NGA) prospect Mac Andrew, who firms as a top 10 selection at next month's National Draft.
Andrew has enjoyed a meteoric rise up the Draft rankings throughout 2021, now looking unlikely to land in a red and blue jumper despite his link to Melbourne.
The AFL announced a reformed NGA bidding system last year ahead of the 2021 National Draft, with clubs unable to match bids for their Academy graduates should a rival side select the respective talent in the top 20 picks.
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Fremantle hold Picks 6 and 8 in the National Draft, with the Western Australian club heading into the count with one of the strongest hands and Andrew a potential target for Justin Longmuir.
Sportsday WA presenter and former Fremantle star Paul Hasleby revealed that the Dockers have reportedly been keeping tabs on Andrew's services.
โA friend of mine keeps telling me that Fremantle are showing a lot of interest in this kid,โ Hasleby said.
With Andrew seen as one of the best talls in his draft class - capable of playing in the ruck and forward - the talented teenager could fall as early as Pick 2.
AFL Draft expert Callum Twomey revealed that Greater Western Sydney are among a number of clubs to be placing their attention on the Dandenong Stingrays star.
โ(Heโs) athletically amazing," Twomey told Sportsday.
โWhat I love about the โBig Macโ is just how competitive he is. He really is a great option.
MAC ANDREW | 2021 DRAFT PROSPECT
200cm Ruck/Fwd
Hard not to get excited by these highlights. Melb NGA but won't go to the Dees cos he'll be snapped up too early. Yes, he's an athlete, but he's got skills & footy smarts. His ruck craft & follow-up work is ๐คฏ#weflyasone
๐ท๐ด๐ง๐ท๐ด pic.twitter.com/lQHClQgG3O— Vardy Magic (@VardyMagic) October 1, 2021
โWhen heโs in the air and the ball is up for grabs he goes for it, and he fights for it at ground level.
โThereโs a lot of clubs with top ten picks who are looking at Mac Andrew, including the Giants at pick two."
The Demons could look to get creative in pick swapping ahead of the Draft in order to secure Andrew's services, with Melbourne currently holding Picks 17, 37, 49, 57 and 94.
AFL clubs are permitted to trade draft picks ahead of and during the National Draft, which will commence on November 24 for the first round, with the later rounds getting underway the following night.
