Essendon are continuing their pursuit of out-of-favour Melbourne forward Sam Weideman, with the former No.9 pick in the 2015 National Draft tipped to join the Bombers with the Demons in return getting a future third-round selection.
However, in another twist, the Bombers are looking to send its future third-rounder to Sydney as part of the Aaron Francis trade, with the 25-year-old seeking a fresh start in the Harbour City, according to AFL.com.au reporter Callum Twomey.
After coming into the side replacing the injured Ben Brown ahead of its Round 3 clash against Essendon, Weideman made an impression in booting four goals along with seven marks.
But he couldn't carry on the momentum, finding himself on the outer of Melbourne's best 22.
Weideman's move to the Bombers would relieve pressure off number one key forward and this year's Crichton Medal winner Peter Wright, with the 203cm giant kicking a career-best tally of 53 goals.
It would also allow for the developing Harrison Jones to continue working on his craft.
For Francis, it has been a rocky three seasons for the former sixth pick in the 2015 draft, playing only 27 games in three seasons since his breakout 2018 campaign.
His last game for Essendon came in the Dreamtime game against Richmond in Round 10, with the Bombers settling on a back six of Jayden Laverde, Mason Redman, Jake Kelly, Jordan Ridley, Nick Hind and skipper Dyson Heppell.
The 193 m defender had received interest last off-season from Port Adelaide, however a move didn't eventuate.
Speaking on AFL Trade Radio, Sydney Swans General Manager of list strategy and recruitment Kinnear Beatson has revealed the club's interest in Francis.
"There are two things we're trying to achieve this trade period, one is to bring Aaron in," Beatson said.
"We're hopeful we're edging closer with that, it might involve a three-way deal with Melbourne, we're exploring that at the moment, Chris Cain is working his way through that with the points and numbers and everything each club requires."
In regards to Francis' move to the Harbour City, Beatson says it is about escaping the bubble frenzy of football in Melbourne.
"Aaron (Francis) is quite clear in his own mind that he needs a fresh start in a different state, to get out of the bubble," Beatson said.
"I know that was something that went through his mind when he looked at going back to Adelaide, could he escape the bubble?
"In the end, he understood that if he came to Sydney that same bubble is not there, he can just walk around as Aaron Francis and the public won't know who he is and won't care.
"Some players like to avoid the spotlight, and others thrive on it so it depends on the individual."
