Melbourne young gun Luke Jackson has officially requested an AFL trade home to Western Australia in a move expected to spark a ruck merry-go-round.
Jackson had been linked to a return to his home state all season and told the Demons of his desire to head west on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old has been predominantly linked to Fremantle but did not nominate a club, meaning the Demons can also deal with West Coast, who have pick No.2 in this year's draft.
"There is no doubt that we wanted Luke to remain at the Demons, but we respect his decision to want to return home to Western Australia to be closer to his family and friends," Melbourne list boss Tim Lamb said in a statement.
"We will now work to secure a deal that compensates the club accordingly."
The Demons are expected to attempt to recruit Collingwood's two-time All-Australian Brodie Grundy as Jackson's replacement.
Jackson, pick No.3 in the 2019 draft, has played 52 games since his debut in 2020.
He played the supporting act to skipper Max Gawn in last year's breakthrough premiership, including turning the grand final on its head with a remarkable third-quarter burst in the ruck.
Jackson's fine sophomore season in 2021 also delivered the AFL Rising Star award.
