North Melbourne defender Ben McKay is set to be one of the most sought after free agents this off-season.
The 25-year-old has played 52 games since being taken with pick No. 21 in the 2015 National Draft and is emerging as one of the competition’s most vaunted key defenders.
As a result, AFL Media’s Cal Twomey expects the Kangaroo to be an attractive prospect for clubs looking to sure up their backline stocks.
“It’s going to be a massive talking point all year,” Twomey said on SEN Breakfast.
“It’s an interesting case, he’s only played 52 games in seven years, he’s injured again as we know.
“Key backs who can intercept like he does are so hard to find for clubs.
“If they don’t have to trade for him, given he’s a free agent, then they become even more attractive.”
After missing out on Geelong’s Esava Ratugolea last trade period, Twomey says Port Adelaide have interest in McKay but won’t be the only club to throw their hat in the ring.
“Port Adelaide has interest in McKay,” Twomey said.
“They had Esava Ratugolea keen to join them in last year’s trade period before the Cats held him to that deal. Clearly that’s an area they’re looking to boost.
“I don’t think they’re going to be alone though in terms of clubs circling McKay.
“He isn’t rushing into talks, he had a look around at the end of last year but committed to the Roos to see out his deal.”
Given McKay’s free agency status and the position he plays, Twomey believes he could be worth more than $700,000 a year on the open market.
“The other part of this of course is that if he was to leave and get Band 1 compensation – sort of the $750,000 mark – it could trigger a second top-five pick for North,” Twomey said.
“So that’s where it sits, it’s a delicate sort of discussion there.
“I think it’d have to be in the seven (hundred thousands) to ripping him out of North Melbourne.
“I know people say he’s only played 50 games, but the reality is it’s so hard for clubs to find their key defenders.
“Like Dan McStay getting around 600 (thousand) over five years at Collingwood, clubs pay a little more so that they don’t have to trade for players.”
McKay is currently sidelined with bone stress in his right foot. No timeline for a return has been set.