In a surprise twist ahead of the pre-season supplemental deadline on Friday, Melbourne has reportedly thrown their hat in the ring for Werribee star Jack Henderson, with the Demons' late pursuit of the VFL gun said to be a successful one.
Following an impressive 2024 campaign, Henderson was invited to West Coast as a potential SSP selection after veteran Dom Sheed opened a second vacancy at the club due to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
The 24-year-old featured in the Eagles' match simulation on Monday against Richmond, alongside fellow SSP hopefuls Sandy Brock (ex-Sun) and James Van Es (ex-Saint).
The Demons' decision to join the race for Henderson, reported by AFL Media's Cal Twomey, comes as forward Shane McAdam went down with a serious Achilles injury at training last week, with scans confirming a rupture.
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McAdam is likely to miss the entire 2025 campaign, ultimately opening up a spot at the Victorian club.
Twomey has since revealed the Demons have won the race for Henderson's services, with the Tigers midfielder set to join Melbourne's list this week.
Melbourne has won this battle. VFL star Jack Henderson will land at the Demons as an SSP signing this week after choosing to head there.
Had offers from West Coast and the Demons and played with the Eagles yesterday. The magic of the SSP! https://t.co/U8OEnjUEaA
โ Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) February 18, 2025
Henderson averaged 21.1 disposals, 5.4 tackles and 4.1 marks per game in the VFL last year, kicking 15 goals as well.
He dominated the 2024 VFL grand final, gathering 23 disposals, eight tackles, seven marks and two goals, trumping the Sharks by six points and taking out the Norm Goss Medal.
A similar situation to Henderson's occurred on the eve of the 2023 season, where Carlton attempted to swoop on now-Collingwood defender Oleg Markov late in the SSP period before he ultimately signed with the Magpies, becoming a premiership player in September that year.
Elsewhere, Tom Edwards is leading the charge for Essendon's vacant spot after a four-goal performance in the club's practice match against the Western Bulldogs.
As for the Bulldogs, there hasn't been a decision made on either Brayden Crossley or Dom Brew, although it is likely the former who is favoured to secure a spot.
