Essendon List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro expects to land Melbourne’s second round draft pick in exchange for Michael Hibberd.

The Bombers defender has signaled his intention to seek a fresh start and has indicated the Demons would be his preferred destination.

Melbourne traded away its first pick in this year’s draft during the 2015 exchange period, meaning it’s first selection is currently number 26 overall.

“Logic says that’s a pretty fair selection given what they’ve got in this year’s draft,” Dodoro told AFL Trade Radio.

“There is no point arguing too much on that one.

“We would have thought something around 20-23 in the draft.  Once the Academy selections kick in that pick does fall back a little bit but you’ve just got to get on with it.”

Hibberd has played 84 games for the Bombers after he was recruited from Frankston in the VFL.

Fellow rebounding defender Courtenay Dempsey remains out of contract.

Dodoro said a decision on the 29 year old’s future may not be reached until after the trade period.

“What we’ve said to Courtenay, and we’ve been transparent with him and all the guys who are out of contract, is we’ll get through trade period and see what happens,” he said.

“We’ve got an issue with list spots.  People forget that you’ve only got 40 primary list spots and four rookies. 

“That’s probably one of the guiding factors in determining who stays at the Club going forward.

“We’ll get through the trade period and see if we acquire talent and what the numbers look like.”