This was the story from Inside Footy from about six weeks ago. Seems reasonably accurate (though Watts status would appear to have changed).

Have also read that Adelaide are planning to sit down again with Melbourne to talk pick 2 and trade options.

Melbourne’s No. 2 draft pick is on the table as the club looks to bolster its midfield.

The Demons are almost certain to finish 17th and secure the second selection at the November national draft, which they are keen to trade in order to secure a plug-and-play young midfielder.

INSIDE FOOTBALL understands the Demons have had preliminary discussions with the Gold Coast about a trade that would see Jack Watts and pick No. 2, or another player, traded to the Suns in return for 2010 No. 1 pick David Swallow.

Swallow, who has averaged 19 disposals in his 17 games this season, is believed to be interested in living in Melbourne alongside his brother and North Melbourne captain Andrew.

While the 20-year-old’s progression has been steady – he played his 50th game last week against the Demons and gathered 28 possessions – the emergence of Dion Prestia, Jaeger O’Meara, Harley Bennell and Trent McKenzie has given Suns’ options at trade time.

Watts, the maligned former No. 1 draft pick, has not committed to Melbourne beyond this season.

The Demons have also been approached by Adelaide, which is believed to be keen to buy its way back into the top rounds of the draft after having its first two selections stripped by the AFL for salary cap breaches and draft tampering.

The Crows have rebuffed a request by Melbourne to swap pick No. 2 for emerging star Brad Crouch.

However, Rory Sloane, who signed a three-year deal with the Crows last season, could be on the table to secure the pick No.2. Sloane grew up a Melbourne supporter.

Last month Crows football manager Phil Harper said the club did not want to trade Sloane, but didn’t entirely rule it out.

“I would hope not; it would want to be for 10 absolute champions,” Harper said.

“I love the way he plays footy and I’d go as far as to say that if we gave away Rory for the No. 1 draft pick or whatever it happened to be, I’d just about quit the game.

“This lad, if he took your daughter out, you’d be rapt … no, I don’t think we’ll be giving away Rory.”

Melbourne playmaker Sam Blease and veteran ruckman Mark Jamar are also likely to be thrown on the trade table.

The form of young big men Jack Fitzpatrick and Max Gawn has been one positive for the Demons this year.

Jamar would be a prospect for a contender in need of an established ruckman.

Pick 2 and Watts for Swallow is far too much. Sloane isn't worth 2 either.

Pick 2 alone should easily get it done for Swallow. If they want more, we tell them to shove it up their clacker.

Would absolutely love Swallow, rate him higher than Adams and has more potential then Sloane.

In my opinion...

Swallow would be amazing, my only concern is that he hasnt been playing in Gold Coasts midfield and has been playing of the half back flank

why is that?

Watts s staying, and Roos said he wants to keep Blease.

Id love Swallow and Adams, but i think Sloane is our man ,for pick two and Adams if we are lucky , possibly for Jamar.

Watts s staying, and Roos said he wants to keep Blease.

Id love Swallow and Adams, but i think Sloane is our man ,for pick two and Adams if we are lucky , possibly for Jamar.

After watching Sloane's speech I just cannot see him coming over. He kept talking about the future he will have with Adelaide and how next year they will reach new levels. Do not think he would say that if he was leaving.

Swallow would be amazing, my only concern is that he hasnt been playing in Gold Coasts midfield and has been playing of the half back flank

why is that?

The names Ablett, Prestia and O'Meara probably have something to do with it.

David Swallow at MFC... I'd like to see that!!!

I heard Swallow was seen getting off the 5:30am flight to Melbourne, and that he has been looking at houses in the Wembley Park area of East Melbourne...

Watts s staying, and Roos said he wants to keep Blease.

Id love Swallow and Adams, but i think Sloane is our man ,for pick two and Adams if we are lucky , possibly for Jamar.

I wouldn't put too much stock in statements like that.

It could very well be coach-speak for "we'd like to trade him, but we're expecting more than you might be willing to pay initially" or even "I'm willing to trade him, but in case he stays I want this player to believe I have faith in his ability"

David Swallow must be our No.1 target. Will be behind a few at Suns (Bennell, O'Meara, Ablett and Prestia and Martin).

Suns would love Matt Scharenberg to clean up their defence.

They need pick 2. WIN WIN

Was told tonight that we have been in contact with Swallow more than once.

Things could heat up in the coming weeks.

Geez I hope you're right Dazzler.

This kid has the potential of being the best player of all time

Geez I hope you're right Dazzler.

This kid has the potential of being the best player of all time

Tell me about it BBP. Would love Swallow in our side. Would be a massive gain for our midfield!

This kid has the potential of being the best player of all time

LOL what

But is Aish as good as a ball winner as Swallow, our greatest area of need. If the answer is no, then grab Swallow. We've got Blease and Dom Barry to provide speed.

the problem isn't adding outright speed

imo the problem is adding to our one paced % of players, on our list.

we can't carry too many who are below the afl average in speed over the ground. getting to contests or on the chase.

Geez I hope you're right Dazzler.

This kid has the potential of being the best player of all time

I just spat coffee on my screen. I really, really hope we pick Swallow up and I'm prepared to pay a good price, but he ain't gonna be the best player of all time.

I just spat coffee on my screen. I really, really hope we pick Swallow up and I'm prepared to pay a good price, but he ain't gonna be the best player of all time.

Of course not. The best player of all time tag belongs to Jesse Hogan but I'm sure Swallow would gladly accept second best and GCS will take a fourth rounder and Tom Couch in exchange.

wish we could get some more inside info on if the MFC are gonna get this kid or are at least trying

wish we could get some more inside info on if the MFC are gonna get this kid or are at least trying

I understand your thirst for info but one of the best things about the club since Jackson came on board is that we no longer leak like a sieve

Swallow would be a MASSIVE gain. I would swap for pick 2.

In fairness though, pick 2 is a massive pick.

Not overly comfortable with givin up pick 2 for Swallow tbh but as I have said in the past Roos knows a hell of alot better then I.

In Roos we trust.

Getting Swallow would be a fantastic get for the club. We'd be getting a top of the class talent who has a few years of AFL experience already, so his body is better equipped and he has already gone through development in a few positions and learning the game.

I just spat coffee on my screen. I really, really hope we pick Swallow up and I'm prepared to pay a good price, but he ain't gonna be the best player of all time.

He's not even the best player named Swallow.