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It has emerged that Melbourne could snare Essendon's No.9 draft pick as the Bombers try to ensure they recruit top academy prospect Isaac Koko.
Essendon and Melbourne could further complicate the AFL trade period, with a top-10 draft pick potentially on the table.
After a frustrating week of little action, clubs and player managers worked the phones over the weekend ahead of three big days ahead.
Many deals are set to come down to the final session at the AFL on Wednesday, ahead of the 7.30pm deadline.
Carlton and Hawthorn made easily the biggest move last week when they did a trade that sent the Hawks' No.14 draft pick to the Blues.
That had a direct impact on negotiations around Hawthorn's bid to recruit West Coast defender Tom Barrass, Liam Baker's desired move from Richmond to the Eagles, and the fate of Port Adelaide's two-time All-Australian defender Dan Houston.
The Power backman wants to move to Melbourne, but is yet to nominate his preferred club. The Blues, Collingwood and North Melbourne are considered the frontrunners to recruit Houston, if a deal can be reached.
Now media outlets are reporting the Bombers and Demons are on the verge of another pick swap, that would send the Bombers' No.9 draft selection to Melbourne.
By offloading the top-10 pick, the Bombers are better placed to sign highly rated academy prospect Isaac Kako, without other clubs above them in the draft order bidding for him.
Melbourne would have the fifth and ninth selections in what is rated a strong draft.
Also on Sunday, it emerged St Kilda's interest in Port Adelaide ruckman Ivan Soldo has cooled because of injury concerns about his knee.
But the big deals of this trade period remain unconfirmed.
Bailey Smith wants to leave the Western Bulldogs and join Geelong, while Shai Bolton (Fremantle) and Daniel Rioli (Gold Coast) have joined Baker in trying to exit Richmond.
As Houston's fate remains a mystery, Gold Coast forward Jack Lukosius hopes to boost Port's attack, and the Suns' No.13 draft pick has assumed near-mythical status as rival clubs try to deal for the selection.
Luke Parker's move from Sydney to North Melbourne is not guaranteed, and Jake Stringer could leave Essendon for GWS.
The Western Bulldogs and St Kilda remain a long way apart as Jack Macrae tries to join the Saints.