Melbourne, currently in the bottom four, urged to make ‘courageous’ decisions regarding underperforming high earners.

Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel is pondering whether the Melbourne Demons should contemplate a major decision regarding one of their high-profile players at season’s end, possibly exchanging them for substantial draft picks.

This follows Matthew Lloyd’s statement labelling the Demons as a “bottom four team.”

Currently, the Demons are positioned 15th on the ladder after nine rounds, boasting three victories and a percentage of 79.4.

After finishing 14th last year, Melbourne also traded their future first-round pick to Essendon, meaning a poor finish this season won’t yield a top draft selection.

Lloyd believes that, judging by their recent performances, the 2021 premiers have become one of the lesser teams in the league.

“Melbourne is now a bottom four club. Can you believe that they are in this position?” Lloyd commented on Nine’s Footy Classified.

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“Aside from Max Gawn and Harry Langford, there’s not a lot to be excited about,” Lloyd continued. “Gawn has been outstanding, and Langford could be a contender for the Rising Star. Unfortunately, not much else stands out.”

“This weekend they face Brisbane, and I think back to how epic those two players were in matches only a few years ago, contrasting their current form with Brisbane’s progress.”

Clubs like Hawthorn and Richmond have found themselves in similar positions after their premiership successes, opting to trade veteran players to extend their success. The Hawks acquired Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara, and Chad Wingard, while the Tigers brought in Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper.

Eventually, both clubs decided to rebuild, releasing players such as Daniel Rioli, Liam Baker, and Shai Bolton for substantial draft returns last season.

Bartel believes that the Demons must determine their future direction and consider trading a star player during the off-season.

“The significant decision they will face, should they finish 14th or 15th again, is reminiscent of Hawthorn’s and Richmond’s deliberations: ‘having finished 15th with this player group, is it time to make a change, regardless of their reputations?'” Bartel said.

Lloyd prompted Bartel to consider whether last year’s alarming thought of Petracca potentially requesting a trade could turn into a reality for Melbourne.

“That’s definitely something they have to consider. If they continue to find themselves in the lower ranks with these star players, eventually, the bold and courageous decision needs to be made,” Bartel stated.

Petracca is under contract with the Demons until the conclusion of the 2029 season, reportedly earning more than $1 million annually. The hefty size of his deal previously made it tough for the standout midfielder to find a trade partner.

Clayton Oliver, who is also contracted until 2030, faces a similar issue, exacerbated by his drop in performance.

In recent years, Melbourne has been actively nurturing young talent through the draft, securing players like Harvey Langford, Xavier Lindsay, Caleb Windsor, and Matthew Jefferson with early-round picks.