Demons young gun Judd McVee requests trade to Fremantle in huge blow for new coach Steven King
Melbourne defender Judd McVee has requested a trade to Fremantle.
The decision is a huge early blow for new Demons coach Steven King, who has lost one of his talented young weapons before officially starting in the job.
The 22-year-old is out of contract and originally from East Fremantle, with both the Dockers and Eagles chasing him all season.
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McVee has played 65 career games for Melbourne, 17 in 2025, and has emerged as a versatile weapon across half back.
Judd McVee of the Demons handballs whilst being tackled by Rhyan Mansell of the Tigers Getty
He has excelled with his ball use and intercept marking work and could develop into a midfielder in time.
He will join a loaded Fremantle backline, including previous All-Australians Jordan Clark and Luke Ryan, captain Alex Pearce and key defender Brennan Cox.
The Dockers hold picks 29 and 38, and one or both will likely need to feature to get the trade done.
2025 is also the first year where teams are allowed to trade picks an extra year in advance, meaning they could use picks from 2027 if they wanted.
It could be a summer of dramatic change for Melbourne. They've told premiership key defender Steven May to find a new club in the trade period, while star midfielder Christian Petracca also seems likely to request a move again.
He has been linked with Adelaide and Gold Coast, after wanting to join Carlton or Collingwood this time last year.
Christian Petracca of the Demons looks to pass the ball. Morgan Hancock via Getty Images
King takes over the reins after the club sacked premiership coach Simon Goodwin late in the season.
He reportedly won the job due to his confidence in the list's ability to be competitive and potentially play finals next year.
Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley ultimately pulled out of the race, preferring to go after the Tassie Devils coaching job.
After winning the 2021 premiership, and making top four the next two seasons, the Demons have missed the eight consistently since.
Melbourne has been linked to Gold Coast star Sam Flanders, Collingwood key forward Brody Mihocek and Giants youngster Wade Derksen in this year's trade period.
The AFL trade period gets underway on Monday October 6, but moves and plans will certainly start to become public now that the season is over.
