Melbourne has offered Essendon a future second round draft pick in exchange for Michael Hibberd.

But the Bombers would prefer to land the Demons second round pick in this year’s draft (currently number 28 overall).

Both clubs continued talks at Etihad Stadium today as the AFL Trade period officially got underway.

Essendon List and Recruiting Manager Adrian Dodoro said he’s confident a deal will be agreed upon shortly.

“We spoke to Melbourne, we think its fair it’s their second round pick this year,” he said.

“They’re having a think about the situation at the present time.

“I’d imagine that it will get done pretty soon.

“Their situation is they’ve offered a future second and we’d just like to get this year’s second round so we’re discussing that with them at the moment.”

Essendon currently holds the number one pick in the draft and Dodoro said there were further enquiries about its status today, though no formal offers were put on the table.

“If we were to get an offer for it, it would probably be later in the week when clubs know what they’re doing with their trades,” he said.

If the Bombers were to land the Demons second round pick in this year’s draft, the Club would enter November’s selection meeting with three picks in the top 30.

“We’ll sit down now and get through trade period and see where our picks are at,” Dodoro said.

“Then I’ll sit down with the guys and Merv (Keane – Senior Recruiting Coordinator) will present what the draft pool looks like and we’ll take it from there.

“We’ve got seven or so weeks until the National Draft and we’re going to have some good picks so we’re really comfortable that we’re in a good position.”

The trade period ends on Thursday October 20 at 2pm.

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