Wantaway GWS swingman Wade Derksen has reportedly elected Melbourne as his preferred landing spot after requesting a trade to Victoria.
Derksen is said to have informed the Giants of his desire to head south for family reasons last week, with the 23-year-old in line to leave the New South Wales club before breaking through for an AFL debut.
Drafted out of Peel to GWS midway through the 2022 AFL season, Derksen has played 44 games for the Giants at VFL level as both a key forward and intercept defender.
He booted a team-high 35 goals at the level last year to rank in the top 10 in the VFL before switching to the backline in 2024, averaging 19.5 disposals and 6.9 marks this year.
Seeking a second club, the contracted Giant has reportedly informed the club of his desire to become a Demon this off-season, per AFL.com.au.
With a deal for the 2025 season, Derksen will need to be traded to Melbourne next month. The Demons currently hold Picks 5, 38, 45, 50 and 61 for this year's AFL Draft.
Derksen's expected departure follows the recently confirmed exits of GWS free agents Nick Haynes and Isaac Cumming. Haynes is tipped to join Carlton this off-season while Cumming is exploring a move to South Australia.
Utility Harry Perryman is also anticipated to depart the Giants, with interest from clubs in Victoria and South Australia.
The 2024 AFL Trade Period will open on Monday, October 7.